IN THE CLASSROOM
"It has been too much the custom to think of eduation as an affair of youth, but it really should be the work of the whole of life." - Charles W. Eliot
Current research studies have indicated our brains are vital, ever-changing organs that respond to challenging new stimuli - stimuli found in enriched environments such as a room filled with people eager to learn new things. So, think of a classroom as..
A health club for our minds!
Lifelong learning also plays a big role in the psychological, emotional, and physical wellness of older adults. So it's a health club for our bodies and spirits too.
According to the National Center for Education statistics, the number of adult learners is both large and growing, and
- In 1999, 90 million Americans participated in some form of adult learning, which is up from the 58 million registered in 1991, and
- Of those 90 million adult learners, 23 million were over the age of 50.
People are also beginning to realize that lifelong learning is essential to their longevity.
So much so in fact, that there are now approximately one million older adults taking part in between 750-1,000 organized classroom-type lifelong learning programs across North America.
These programs go by various names - lifelong learning programs or institutes, senior colleges, institutes for learning in retirement, etc. They all mean the same thing, however, and they are all dedicated to providing an enriching and stimulating atmosphere for older adults who want to learn for the sheer joy of learning.
That sheer joy of learning is what will help the number of programs grow, especially as our population ages, and people become more aware of the value and opportunities lifelong learning affords them.
By joining a lifelong learning program your sense of personal empowerment, your self-esteem, and your feelings of contribution will take a big leap.
Participants in these programs also gain insight on how to make their personal lives more efficient, effective and enjoyable. They develop new interests by simply trying something new.
Lifelong learning programs can be a valuable tool for those of us facing 30 or more years of life after leaving the full-time workforce, if we want those years to be rich and fulfilling.
Examples of Lifelong Learning Programs
Oasis Programs – A national nonprofit educational organization that serves more than 350,000 members age 50+ through a national network of centers in 25 cities. Primary centers are in department stores. Each center is a specially designed space with offices, a lounge and classrooms, providing a comfortable setting where members can relax and meet people with similar interests. Additional programs are offered in other community locations.
Libraries - If you prefer a less structured form of lifelong learning then libraries are the perfect setting. Within your community, the library serves as a central resource and brings together local residents, organizations, programs and materials. A library is committed to serving everyone, and programs for older adults are one of their most popular initiatives.
Museums - Museums offer innovative programming that enlarges the scope of learning for all ages, not just older adults. And, studies have proven that museum education, because it is experiential, visual and “hands-on,” increases retention of information and understanding of the subject materials. Topics vary depending on the museum focus.
Adult/Community Education Centers - Programs are designed to empower learners so they become self-sufficient as they enhance their personal growth, increase their personal development, and develop self-actualization. This helps them evolve and become universally literate in body, mind, and spirit. Students are then able to pass their knowledge on to others, demonstrating the best ways to reach their full potential as productive citizens in today’s world.
Houses of Worship - Churches, synagogues and mosques as lifelong learning centers? Absolutely. To some this may be surprising, but the venue makes perfect sense. After all, people atttend religious services to learn. Most houses of worship already sponsor theological classes for children, so it’s not much of a stretch to delve into adult classes as well. Among the congregation some members will undoubtedly be educators who may have an interest in leading adult classes. And most houses of worship have additional space that makes perfect classrooms.
Participants reap a host of benefits by belonging to a Lifelong Learning program. Here are a few of them.
- Enlarges scope of interests.
- Enriches established friendships.
- Provides opportunities to meet new people.
- Keeps members current, active and alert.
- Enables members to make new contacts, relationships and connections.
- Expands horizons.
- Allows members to have fun, gain respect and exchange ideas.
- Provides opportunities to develop new ideas and handle change.
- Gets people involved in the give and take of lively discussions.
- Provides a chance to learn more about current events.
- Gives people a chance to try out new ideas and insights.
- Enables participation in domestic and international study/travel.
- Provides opportunities for volunteer work on the local and national level.
Begin Your Search...
To start your search for a lifelong learning program in your community you can visit:
The Elderhostel Institute Network and click on FIND A LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes
You can also contact a local college or university and ask if they have a lifelong learning program for older adults.
Don't forget to explore libraries, museums, senior centers, and adult education centers.
Finally, check out your local paper, notices on bulletin boards, and ask your library and/or museums what type of programs they offer. A little sleuthing will yield you some interesting possibilities.
