A few months ago, the spring catalog for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) arrived in my mailbox. OLLI offers noncredit courses—with no assignments or grades—to “seasoned” adults over the age of 50. Funded through The Bernard Osher Foundatinon, the institutes can be found in just about every state. They’re located on the campuses of 121 colleges and universities—from Maine to Hawaii to Alaska—so there’s probably one near you. Each one provides a distinctive variety of noncredit courses, and many offer activities specifically developed for adults  50+.

The joy of learning is all you need.

The institute closest to me offers classes in art, film, history, literature, music, and wellness. There’s a Feminist Film Series, drama classes, and a Mahjong Club. The cost for some is as low as five dollars. You can also participate in field trips to places like the Black Chasm Cavern in Volcano, California and The California Museum.

The classes on government and politics really caught my attention. I especially like the one called “Philosophers, Preachers, and Farmers: How We Got to Declaring Independence.” As a fitness buff, the Tai Chi and QiGong classes also looked interesting. Both are endorsed by the Harvard Medical School.

“Cutting-edge research from Harvard Medical School supports the long-standing claims that Tai Chi has a beneficial impact on the health of the heart, bones, nerves and muscles, immune system, and the mind.”

Check out Osher Lifelong Learning.

If you’re looking to learn something new and perhaps meet like-minded people in your community, check out the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Be sure to let us know about your experience.

 

Jan Fishler, MA, is currently co-authoring a new book, Don’t Stop Now, Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life (DontStopNow.us). She is also the author of Searching for Jane, Finding Myself (An Adoption Memoir), and has written several articles about alternative health and PTSD. You can learn more about Jan at www.JanFishler.net.