What is your attitude toward the older persons in your life? Your parents, grandparents, aging uncles and aunts? Do you see them as on the 'downhill path' or do you see active, vibrant people who have renewed interest and zest in living. Granted their interests may not extend to the same things as yours do; no long employed, not as physically able as they once were, not so involved in the care and raising of young children (except perhaps their grandkids).
Well, I'm here to tell you about the senior citizens I am acquainted with and see daily. They are alive and well, involved in activities that they care about. Many of them are finally able to indulge in hobbies and interests that once eluded them, due to time, family and work constraints. They are learning new things while responding to the world around them more fully. They are helping other people, caring about their neighborhood, city, nation and the world. They are connected!
That is what this lens is designed to do; to describe and illustrate the ways in which people who are "senior" are connected to each other and their surroundings. Seniority can be a very good thing! To learn more, see my blog at activelysenior.com
NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN
Continuing Education for Seniors
Recently, along with about 350 other senior citizens, I attended the orientation meeting for the Fall 2006 senior course series at our local community college. The response to these courses is amazing over the last 20 years.The minimal fee of $20 covers just as many classes as any person wants to attend. They are non-credit courses and they cover every conceivable area of individual interest.
Instructors are volunteers who have experience and knowledge in their chosen area. As payment they receive a minimal amount to cover transportation and expenses. One instructor in the computer area told me he spends about 4 hours computer preparation time for every 1 hour of class time. I consider that real dedication! Of course since all instructors are retired they enjoy the challenge and stimulation of teaching their peers%u2026 who are there out of choice, not necessity!
Classes are held all five days of the week somewhere on campus or a nearby area. A very partial listing of the range of choices includes literature, language, computer skills and maintenance, legal and financial challenges, senior investment and economics, exercise including tai chi and water aerobics, crafts and painting classes. On and on the list goes.
I won't bore you with the complete list of offerings, but if you want to develop your interest and skill in any area, you will find it here!
I wonder if this type of learning is available to seniors in other parts of the country. I'll have to research it and find out what is available. If you personally are interested in taking courses in your area of interest, you might check with your local community colleges, high schools and senior centers to see what they have on offer.
The cost is so minimal and the benefits so great that every retired person should be blessed by this opportunity to expand knowledge and grow.
Welcome to Senior LIfestyles
What do YOU think?
Are you young, middle age older? Wherever you fit in these passages through life, I'd like your opinion. If young - do you think I'm hopelessly out of date? If you middle aged, are you dreading the advent of 'seniorhood' or looking forward to retirement? If old like me, where are you?
I hope you'll comment on what you see, if this lens means anything to you, and could you possibly learn from it?
If so, please comment and, by the way, sign my guestbook!
Actively Senior
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by bevbedier
OK, I admit it! I'm 68 years old ... and getting younger every day.
Actually, I'm an active senior who has participated...
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