Learning is a given; we naturally acquire new information and skills informally in our day-to-day lives. And while this learning is worthwhile, it's often beneficial for older adults to supplement informal learning with more structured, formal learning when possible.
For older adults living just west of Cleveland, enrolling in formal lifelong learning courses is easy! Lorain County Community College (LCCC) offers learning opportunities with peers in classroom settings. Here, we discuss the Center for Lifelong Learning and the Academy for Lifelong Learning, which are affiliated with Oberlin College and the Elderhostel Institute Network.
The Center for Lifelong Learning offers special half-day, full-day and multiple-day field trips to locations in and out of state, many of which include advance classes that discuss the destination sites. The Academy for Lifelong Learning offers non-credit programming for adults at least 50 years old and/or retired. Various committees, including the Kendal Lifelong Learning Committee at Kendal at Oberlin, work to select topics and presenters for the classes and programming.
The Center for Lifelong Learning offers learning opportunities in computers, estate planning, fitness and recreation, world cultures, creative writing, and more.
Some of the classes currently available for registration include:
- Getting Started in Medicare: A $10 class that helps those approaching age 65 (or going on Medicare for the first time) better understand how Medicare works. Participants will learn the difference between a Medicare Supplement and Advantage Plan, as well as what Parts A, B, C and D cover. The class begins Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.
- Beginners Watercolor Pencils: A program that teaches the basic techniques of watercolor. Attendees will learn about brushes, paper, and style; previous artistic experience and talent not required! The session costs $21 and is held Jan. 19 and March 2 from noon to 3 p.m. The instructor provides watercolor pencils, paper, and brushes.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Benefits for People over 50 Years of Age: A course that explains the conceptual approaches that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilizes in the treatment of conditions common in those over the age of 50. Participants are asked to wear loose clothing to this interactive course, as they will practice movement therapies designed to increase balance, reduce stress, restore vitality, and increase mental acuity. The course costs $72 and is held Feb. 2 from 10a.m. to 4p.m.
- Basic Computer: A course for beginners that covers the basics of what a computer can do for you and how to use it more effectively. Included in the course is how to: turn on the computer, use a mouse and keyboard, open and close software, and manage files and folders. The course includes four two-hour sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The course costs $79 with the cost of accompanying textbook already included.
A full list of current Center for Lifelong Learning courses can be found here.
Older adults interested in registering for LCCC Continuing Education courses can do so up to the first day of the class (with some exceptions) by mail, phone, fax or in person, but are encouraged to register as soon as possible. The non-credit registration form for mail or fax can be found here. Those registering by phone should call the LCCC Records Office at 800-995-5222 ext. 4067.
To learn more about LCCC, the Center for Lifelong Learning or the Academy for Lifelong Learning, click here. To learn more about Kendal Northern Ohio committees and activities, visit the Kendal Northern Ohio blog.
Photo: Dave Dugdale
