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Cynthia Lopinto Feature Article Leave a comment 2,268 Views

By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist

Do you feel a rush of excitement when walking into a classroom? Does the idea of learning something new get your blood moving? Would you rather spend your Saturday afternoon browsing through a bookstore than going somewhere else? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you’re more than familiar with the concept of lifelong learning. If your answer was a “no,” then maybe it is time to join your fellow seniors and sign up for a class or two.

There are as many different places to become a student as there are classes offered. One of the more obvious places to check out is a college or university. Here you can take courses on either a credit or non-credit basis. Some institutions even offer a tuition waver program for adults over a certain age. The number of classes and selection of topics offered at universities and colleges make this option quite appealing.

Another choice is a local adult education program. Students here can earn a high school diploma or their GED. Classes in foreign language, reading, writing, math and other basic subjects are part of the curriculum. They also offer a great number of leisure and recreational type courses covering varying interests. In many communities adults can enroll in technical and vocational courses under their local adult education program. Here, students can broaden their career options by learning some new skills or may just want to brush up on some existing skills.

The Elderhostel program is another opportunity for seniors to interact in a learning environment. Elderhostel is a non-profit organization that offers classes to adults that are 55 and older. These programs are through local universities, national parks, museums, conference centers and other learning sites. Most of these programs last anywhere from one to four weeks. Here adults just learn for fun. Community-based classes are probably the most common form of continuing education that older adults take advantage of. Recreation and senior centers all over the country fill their classrooms daily. Many of these type programs are structured around the suggestions from the students that attend. This open attitude is inviting and creates a wonderful atmosphere for both students and teachers. The other advantage of community-based classes is that the cost for these are usually less than classes at institutional programs. Online classes are also another choice and are especially inviting for those who have trouble leaving their home but wish to still learn.

With all of these choices, what are you waiting for? Take a look in the a newspaper or browse online to find opportunities in your area. Call your local college, university or senior center and sign up for the next semester. The possibilities are endless. So the next time somebody asks, “Does anyone here know how to speak Swahili?” you can answer, “Why yes, I do! I learned it in class.”

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Cynthia Lopinto

Cyn LoPinto, M.A. is a gerontologist focusing on significant issues affecting older adults and their families. Her areas of interest include lifestyle enrichment, family dynamics, and caregiver support. Cyn has worked in both the recreational and healthcare industries.