LIFELONG LEARNING
Now that school has started for another year, it brings to mind the days of listening to the teachers talk about a variety of subjects. Exciting challenges always seemed to be looming around every corner.
As we grow older, we are more “seasoned” and life doesn’t necessarily hold as many surprises or mysteries as it once did. One of the ways that we can find enrichment is through continuous learning programs.
Here are some reasons why seniors are heading back to class: Seniors get to pick the topics that they want to learn. Educational choices are not focused on developing a career or completing a degree. This is the ideal time for studying topics that are of high interest. Seniors have time to study. During retirement there is time to crack open the books. There are no distractions such as a job or young family to take time away from studying. Learning keeps the mind sharp. Many times retirees will find that they slow down intellectually because they don’t have the stimulation and challenge that comes with a regular job.
Learning keeps retirees
engaged socially. Once retirement comes, many of those relationships dwindle. Being involved with a group of people who share your interests, such as classmates in a lifelong learning environment, helps to create new friendships.
According to Division Head Kerrie Strathy, the Lifelong Learning Centre got its start in the spring of 1977 when a group of adults approached the University of Regina about offering programming for adults looking to engage in further learning.
The initial concept of the lifelong learning programs was initiated by what is now the Seniors’ University
Group (SUG). Since that time, the Lifelong Learning Centre has provided those interested in ongoing learning with a number of engaging, non-credit courses that are as fun and enriching as they are educational.
Although affiliated with the Lifelong Learning Centre, the SUG is a separate entity that is open to people 50 years of age and older. For an annual fee of about $30 per year, members enjoy many privileges such as lower fees for personal enrichment courses, invitations to special lectures and events, free access to the University of Regina libraries and more. The Lifelong Learning Centre has no minimum age requirement.
“We offer a large variety of very interesting classes that cover everything from Art Appreciation to Yoga,” says Strathy. The list of classes is quite diverse and includes such topics as: Ancient Cultures and Places, Regina History, Myths and Legends, Carbon Capture, Astronomy, Creative Writing, Geology, Philosophy, Line Dancing, Yoga (about five different types), Spanish, Floral Design and Chinese Language.
The Lifelong Learning Centre also features Wellness Wednesday, providing information on a variety of topics, and on Thursday, individuals with specific areas of expertise speak at Noon Hour Forums.
The classes have proven to be popular. “We are also now offering evening and weekend classes to accommodate even more people,” Strathy adds.
Whether looking to enhance your skills, study a language or just meet people, there is truly something for everyone at the Lifelong Learning Centre. For more information or to register, visit www.uregina.ca/cce/ lifelong.