Aging Well

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Offers New Fall Courses

NC State and Duke offer hundreds of classes during three terms for little to no cost for people over 50 through OLLI, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. New courses for the fall were just announced. Register now.

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Ladies Having Fun
By
Liisa Ogburn

Keeping your body in shape, sure, is an important means of preventing or delaying the memory loss that often happens with age, but perhaps an equally important method is continuing to learn and grow within a stimulating community.

There is no better way than to take advantage of some of the extensive offerings provided by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (or OLLI, for short). OLLI is an educational program offered in over 100 cities across the US to people over the age of 50, and typically provided in association with a local university. In this region, both NC State and Duke offer hundreds of classes during three terms (fall, spring and summer), each class lasting from one to six sessions. And guess what? There are no tests, no grades and all homework is optional.

One member said, "OLLI offers so much to learn about, talk about, share and discover with others with similar interests."

Joan Hardman-Cobb, Assistant Director of OLLI at NC State University, said, "We have over 1500 members and 15% of those currently volunteer in some capacity. It is very rewarding to be part of such as a strong and enthusiastic learning community."

The cost is nominal, as the professors volunteer their time. There is an annual membership fee of $50 that runs from August 1 - July 31 each year. OLLI offers 3 semesters, fall (Sept - December) and spring are 12 weeks long and the summer semester is 6 weeks long. If you register part way through the program year, the membership fee is pro-rated and is currently $40 if you join for the spring semester (Jan - April) and $20 if you join for the summer semester (May - early June). The classes range from free to $55.

The topics offered span a wide range of subjects, many taught by retired professors with impressive backgrounds. For example, recently Mark Long, a career veteran of the Centers for Disease Control, among other impressive positions, taught a six-class series on “Research Rebels.” Local writer David Burney, and front man for the band Folsom 4, taught a course on the life and times of Johnny Cash. Author and professor Ari Eisen gave a lecture called, “Teaching Biology to the Dalai Lama’s Monks;” Janet Fox provided her popular series on the “Basics of Retirement Income Planning.” I will be teaching a single class called "Living to the Edge of the Frame, even as the Frame Narrows."

In addition to classes, OLLI offers docent-led field trips to local destinations like the Hunt Library, the Duke Lemur Center, and the NC Museum of Art. There are also special interest groups. For example, there is one group that meets weekly to discuss TED talks, another to eat out, and another to go kayaking.

Most importantly, OLLI offers a way to reengage with learning and a new community of learners at a time when many are in the process of disengaging from a fulltime job or a busy family life.

One member said, "It has enriched my life so much......the people, the classes, the trips. There would be a huge void in my life without it."

How does one view courses and sign up? Go here see options in Durham or here for options in Raleigh.
NOTE: Fall registration has opened! Take a look at the classes here. But be forewarned: some classes fill up the day registration opens.

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