It's Back to School Time: Ways for Seniors to Keep on Learning this Fall

The area is surrounded with institutions for higher learning. You might see the students hurrying to and from classes on your daily walks or when driving to errands. And you might get a pang of nostalgia too, thinking back to your younger days of learning and soaking in knowledge, and especially of the excitement for the beginning of the school year. But that doesn’t need to be a thing of the past. Senior citizens can keep learning this fall, too. There are many ways to keep the knowledge flowing, some that are even specifically geared toward seniors.

Head Back to School yourself

You see all of the coeds out there, and maybe you’ve thought you wish you could head to college too. Maybe you never finished your degree, or even started. Or maybe you want to get an advanced degree. Colleges and universities don’t have an age limit on who can apply and attend their classes. You can enroll as a full-fledged student, taking a full course load. Or you can choose to take one specific class. Many universities also allow people to audit their classes, so you are getting the knowledge and enrichment, but not the grade.

It is up to you how much you want to take on. The knowledge is out there, and ready for you to learn.

If you aren’t up for heading to an actual campus each day, many colleges and universities also offer online classes, which either are broadcast live, or that you can access at your convenience any time throughout the week or semester.

Get Artsy

If art is your thing, many local studios offer classes in everything from pottery wheel throwing to oil painting. Find one that interests, and sign up. You’ll be among people interested in learning some of the same things you want to learn. Often these studios hold art shows too, so at the end of the session you can display your work for your loved ones and the public.

Senior Centers

Local senior centers are always a great resource for senior citizens looking to expand their knowledge.

The centers often bring in experts on various topics, or hold special classes either on site or at a different location for senior citizens. In these classes, you’re more likely to meet someone around your own age, or in the same situation in life. Often the centers also host trips offsite, and provide buses for people of all abilities to get to field trips where they can learn about new areas they travel to, plays where they can learn about the theater and more.

Local Entities

Local libraries often have classes on many different things, and often for just a nominal fee. Sometimes they teach how to do various computer programs, and you can use the computers right in the library. Others have nothing to do with the library - such as cooking a one-pot meal. Park districts also have special classes geared toward seniors, with everything from exercise to pruning your garden. Look them up and see what you want to learn.

Get Online

Have something specific you want to learn? Try looking it up on YouTube. There you can find videos on just about anything, even learning to speak Italian, with unlimited free lessons from natives.

There are many other resources online, from Ted Talks to lectures on the NASA website about space. See what interests you, search it up, and start learning.

Here to Help

If you are looking for ideas or help with your senior loved one on their learning journey, Visiting Angels can help. Visiting Angels serves seniors in the Columbus area. If you think home care would be beneficial for you or your loved one, and are ready to learn more about our customized homecare options, contact us online or at (812) 929-0428.

We offer a complimentary in-home consultation to see what your needs are, and to show you how we can help. We will develop a personalized care plan showing you the specific services your caregiver will provide. Our goal is to ensure local seniors are well cared for and safe in their homes. Contact us today to find out how we can give you peace of mind.