Ron Robert is an 81 year-old man who was “shocked” three years ago when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Instead of letting this disease slow him down, however, he decided to keep his mind sharp by enrolling in classes at King’s University College in London, Ontario.

Not only has enrolling in school helped Ron stay mentally fit, it has also inspired other seniors to not let diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia make them want to give up on life.

“Too many people, they get diagnosed with something like Alzheimer’s and they think somehow it’s the end,” Ron said. “Well, it’s not an end – it’s just a new beginning. It’s something you’ve got to work at. And actually, it’s a good thing because I was getting quite bored being retired! So this is all a new challenge for me.”

Ron added that classes in political science and disability studies have been particularly helpful in keeping his mind sharp.

“I feel really good,” Ron explained. “The short-term memory is terrible; long-term memory has improved. I feel better mentally, and I think that’s a big important part too. You’ve got to be upbeat.”

Though Ron’s classmates are young enough to be his grandchildren, they have been incredibly supportive of him and stepped up to help him the few times when he became disoriented. Since starting school, Ron has become the face of the “Yes, I Live With Dementia” campaign, which aims to combat the stigma and misconceptions surrounding the neurodegenerative disease.

Ron is hoping to continue with college so that he can graduate with his classmates.

“I’m hoping I’m the beginning of a wave,” Ron said. “I hope that all those people out there listening that have given up on Alzheimer’s will just get off their butts and join me out here!”