Are You Smarter Than a Lifelong Learner?

How Education Opportunities Continue in a Senior Living Communities

It’s not a coincidence that one of the most popular activities at Ecumenical Retirement Community is the book club. Each month more than a dozen residents, co-workers and community neighbors gather to discuss a shared title. Leading up to the meeting you can’t walk through the hallways or stop in the living room areas of campus without seeing residents pouring through the pages of the latest literary selection.

Why is this?

Reading keeps you curious, engages the imagination, introduces new vocabulary and keeps book club members connected regardless of if the title is liked or not. This shared experience is an education. Whether residents are readers, prefer puzzles or word games, watch TedTalks on YouTube, listen to music or get creative through art, senior living communities are filled with opportunities for discovery and meaning-key attributes of lifelong learning.

Between the confidence gained by trying something new, to the structure and accountability of classes and schedules, there are many physical, mental and emotional benefits to keeping the mind and body sharp. It’s more than just filling the hours of the day in senior living communities; it is about combatting loneliness, exploring passions and opportunities for personal growth and development.

According to Senior List, 82% of seniors are looking to continue their education because they just down-right enjoy learning. They are also interested in professional development and personal fulfillment (75%). While more formal educational degrees can be earned at any age, for many seniors, learning for the sake of learning is what it is all about.

Ways seniors can learn in senior living communities

No matter the area of interest, education level, physical abilities or mobilities, there are many ways for seniors to access education opportunities in a way that fits their lifestyle in senior living communities.

1. Online Learning Platforms: The internet can be overwhelming, but it can also be a bountiful resource for researching anything and everything. With websites such as Coursera, seniors can sign up for full classes with multiple sessions and even assignments attached. While there may be a cost associated, some of the courses are designed specifically for seniors in mind. Alternatively, websites like YouTube can provide free tutorials, expert speakers and activity demonstrations for free.
2. Adult Education in Harrisburg, PA: Colleges and community colleges are seeing the trends of older adults seeking lifelong learning experiences. For example, Penn State University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute brings education, travel and social opportunities to seniors at the Harrisburg, York and University Park campus. Also in the Harrisburg area, Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) offers community education non-credit courses and the Dauphin County Technical School hosts Adult and Continuing Education courses. Additionally, community centers and libraries often run workshops that explore various hobbies and topics.
3. Volunteering: Whether it is collecting and organizing donations or assisting at a non-profit organization focused on a cause close to your heart, these valuable experiences (and many others) can expose the volunteer to different cultures and encourage them to give back using their time and talents.
4. Intergenerational Activities: Opportunities for generations to learn with and from each other are made when grandchildren or students from local schools visit a senior living communities. Activities such as reading together, doing crafts, reminiscing about what life was like when the resident was their age, can bring learners of all ages together for fun and educational experiences.
5. Teach their Neighbors: Residents in senior living communities bring experience from their professions and general interest to campus. Including them in creating and conducting educational opportunities gives them purpose as well as drives interest among other residents who enjoy learning from a peer. Just like Elizabeth who shared her painting talents and experience as a Certified Bob Ross instructor to help any resident become a true artist!
6. Reconnecting with Hobbies: Senior living communities take on some of the stresses that took up so much of the senior’s physical and emotional energy, such as home maintenance or caregiving. Now, there is time to focus on the fun things that once brought the resident joy. Through various activities and clubs, co-workers can help a resident tap into skills, passions and interests that the resident may not have had a chance to explore in years. Activities such as gardening, painting, music or health/wellness can open doors to purpose, growth and joy.

Living and Learning at Ecumenical Retirement Community

Pursuing a life and love of learning is counter to the stereotypical ideas of a senior living community – especially for Ecumenical resident Toni Weakley, a member of the book club, who describes her days (and social calendar) as fuller than ever before! Her days are not slow, she has support with her health and wellbeing when needed and she has so much fun with her friends and family.

Interested in becoming a lifelong learner with us? Contact an advisor to schedule a visit to meet other curious and passionate residents ready to welcome you to their clubs, activities and other educational adventures.