| Studies have shown that seniors who spend time | | | | interesting courses and opportunities. Many school |
| on educational activities have better cognitive | | | | systems publish a continuing education guide that |
| function and retain their memories longer than | | | | lists the content, times and prices of classes that |
| seniors who do not. Additionally, attending | | | | are held in the evening or on weekends at public |
| educational programs give seniors the opportunity | | | | schools. These courses range from academic |
| to interact with others of their age group and | | | | enrichment like English as a Second Language, to |
| with younger people as well. This helps alleviate | | | | arts and crafts and exercise classes. These |
| the isolation and depression that many seniors | | | | courses are open to the community and typically |
| develop. | | | | consist of a wide range of people of all ages. |
| Seniors living in retirement communities will find no | | | | Community colleges also offer a wide range of |
| lack of educational opportunities. These | | | | continuing education experiences. Continuing |
| communities offer courses on everything from | | | | education courses are taught on a non-credit basis |
| foreign languages to ballroom dancing. There are | | | | and cost far less than for-credit courses. |
| myriad clubs and organizations available to | | | | However, if a senior has the time and inclination |
| residents. Outside lecturers and performers are | | | | community colleges are more than happy to enroll |
| often brought in for extra entertainment. But how | | | | seniors in their degree programs. Seniors may be |
| can seniors living on their own, outside a | | | | eligible for a tuition discount, depending on their |
| retirement community, find appropriate | | | | age. Although some seniors may be intimidated by |
| educational programs? | | | | attending classes with much younger students, |
| The first place to look for such programs is at | | | | the experience can be extremely gratifying. |
| the local level. Most communities have a | | | | Younger students often appreciate having seniors |
| governmental department dedicated to serving | | | | share their courses and instructors enjoy teaching |
| seniors in the community. They often publish a list | | | | seniors who are often more disciplined and |
| of activities available to area seniors and | | | | interested than their younger counterparts. |
| frequently are able to provide transportation to | | | | Finally, the community library often offers |
| and from activities. In addition to meal programs | | | | activities specifically tailored to seniors like book |
| and social gatherings, these departments often | | | | clubs, discussion groups and the like. Libraries also |
| offer educational courses in many different | | | | offer computer literacy courses and courses on |
| subjects. | | | | how to use the Internet, sometimes tailored |
| Local public schools are also a good source of | | | | specifically to seniors. |