SeniorNet SeniorNet is a national organization made up of adults age 50 and older who are interested in either learning about computers or in teaching other older adults how to use them. SeniorNet is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults everywhere through technology.
Since its beginning in 1986, SeniorNet has helped millions of older adults become computer proficient. With over 240 learning centers throughout the United States and abroad, along with a quarterly newsletter, a wide variety of other teaching materials, regional conferences, and a very extensive web site, SeniorNet at www.SeniorNet.orgensures that its goals are met. Thanks to their extensive connections, they are also able to offer discounts on computer-related products and services to their members.
Adult Community Education Adult/Community Education programs are designed to empower learners so they become self-sufficient as they enhance their personal growth, increase their personal development, and develop self-actualization. This then helps them evolve and become universally literate in body, mind, and spirit. Students then are able to pass their knowledge on to others, demonstrating the best ways to reach their full potential as productive citizens in today’s world.
We all have untapped veins of creativity and mental acuity. We can always strive for more-to go further than we did yesterday. For some of us, Adult/Community Education Centers can be a better fit than the more traditional
learning venues. Adult/Community Education Centers offer a wide spectrum of courses and workshops for anyone interested in expanding their personal consciousness.
And, if you don’t see something at an Adult/Community Education Center that you want to study, let them know. They welcome requests for courses that are not currently being offered and will do their best to find the necessary teachers, whenever possible.
Houses of Worship Churches, synagogues and mosques as lifelong learning venues? Absolutely. To some this may be surprising, but the venue makes perfect sense. After all, people atttend religious services to learn. Most houses of worship already sponsor theological classes for children, so it’s not much of a stretch to delve into adult classes as well. Among the congregation some members will undoubtedly be educators who may have an interest in leading adult classes. And most houses of worship have additional space that makes perfect classrooms.
Not all the classes have a religious bent. At one Unitarian Universalist church they offer classes ranging from church history and philosophy to personal theological exploration, health and wellness, politics, and arts and music.
If you already belong to a local house of worship you might want to investigate any lifelong learning opportunities they offer. You may be pleasantly surprised.
College Auditing, Lectures & Forums One of the most obvious sites for lifelong learning is your local college or university. That local college or university provides a wealth of lifelong learning opportunities for the general public. For instance, older adults can take advantage of the auditing option offered by most institutions. This is a long-established
tradition, but the number of older adults who now take advantage of this benefit is growing every day. Some private universities charge a few hundred dollars or less for a course, although most state colleges and universities admit older adults (usually over age 60) for free or a very nominal cost.
In fact, developers are building retirement communities near college campuses because they know that the atmosphere of a college town and all it has to offer is a big attraction for empty-nesters. They use the proximity of a college as a marketing tool and this approach has been very successful.
Local colleges and universities also offer lectures, seminars, colloquiums, speakers’ series and forums on all manner of topics. Most of these are open to the public and provide a wonderful venue for independent lifelong learning.
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