Adult Learning
Sources
Learning will keep our minds
active, alert and engaged as we age. This is so important.
Also it can be fun and are a good way to meet people also.
We decided to build a list of adult learning opportunities
that are available.
Senior Centers - Since
this is a senior center site, we must point out that learning
opportunities are abundant at Senior Centers. Each Center
does differ and is unique to the area in which the Senior
Center is located.
There are classes, programs and services at seniors centers
that most certainly be of interest to you. Here are just
a few but we hope this will give you a general idea of
what goes on at a senior center.
Dance classes, computer classes, painting
classes, craft classes, culinary classes, retirement seminars,
health and wellness classes, ancestry, trips to museums
and other interesting places.
Adult Centers - Cater
more to active folks age 50+ and are usually part of the
city or country Parks & Recreation Dept. Active folks
are inquisitive and like to learn..
Adult Education - Many
Colleges and Universities offer free or reduced tuition
to residents of a certain age. There is a variety of course
topics from current events, history and arts to crafts
and recreation, fitness, photography, and computers. Some
include day trip or traveling such as Road Scholar. Older
adults can find these classes stimulating and challenging,
yet paced for enjoyment. It is a great way to meet new
friends and rediscover that learning can be a lifelong
endeavor. I have found it amazing at the number of class
topics offered to fit almost any need. Classes are offered
at different time of the day and evening to fit your life
style. These classes have many different names such as
Oasis, 50 plus, Rhodes Scholars and Adult learning. You
can go on line or contact the College of your choice for
classes and programs offered in your area. .
Active Adult Communities
- Del Webb and other 55+ communities have a reputation
for their activity centers that includes rooms for clubs,
demonstrations, trips and lots more.
Churches and Religious Organizations-
Many religious organizations and churches have classes
and events for seniors. The Jewish Community Center in
St. Louis, Missouri hosts an event each year on Memorial
Week End called, The St. Louis Senior Olympics. More than
1,300 athletes 50 and older participate in the 85 events.
Participants engage in competitive sports such as bat
mitten, running, weight lifting and many others. Some
churches have luncheons, special potluck dinners and classes
for adults. Then there are book clubs, sing along and
many others. What a fun way to be involved.
Personal Travel and Tours-
Travel is a learning experience in itself. The Roads Scholar
Program is a wonderful way to get involved with touring
the world or cultural events near you. Travel agencies
offer cruises and adventures for those over 50. Most cities
have a senior discount to museums and attractions.
Reading / Libraries-
Reading is the best way to learn. Now that you have more
time, how about reading history or the classics. Classes
are conducted at local libraries. There are many books
for reading and audio books too. Reading stimulates the
mind and can be very relaxing.
Civic Centers- Some Civic
Centers offer classes for adults such as ball room dancing,
line dancing, low impact water aerobics and swim classes
to list only a few.
Hobbies- Hobbies for
seniors improve the zest for living, stimulate the mind,
and give an overall satisfaction of accomplishment. There
are many hobbies such as gardening, collecting, crafts,
and many more.
Volunteers- Many seniors
enjoy volunteering at hospitals, skilled nursing facilities,
and school events. This gives you a new learning experience
maybe in a different field from the job you retired from.
This is just a beginning to the resources
that are available to adults. Learning not only helps
each individual but also enhances our life to touch the
lives of others.
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Senior Center Links
