| Studies have shown that seniors who spend time on | | | | systems publish a continuing education guide that lists |
| educational activities have better cognitive function | | | | the content, times and prices of classes that are held |
| and retain their memories longer than seniors who do | | | | in the evening or on weekends at public schools. |
| not. Additionally, attending educational programs give | | | | These courses range from academic enrichment like |
| seniors the opportunity to interact with others of | | | | English as a Second Language, to arts and crafts and |
| their age group and with younger people as well. This | | | | exercise classes. These courses are open to the |
| helps alleviate the isolation and depression that many | | | | community and typically consist of a wide range of |
| seniors develop. | | | | 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 communities | | | | continuing education experiences. Continuing education |
| offer courses on everything from foreign languages | | | | courses are taught on a non-credit basis and cost far |
| to ballroom dancing. There are myriad clubs and | | | | less than for-credit courses. However, if a senior has |
| organizations available to residents. Outside lecturers | | | | the time and inclination community colleges are more |
| and performers are often brought in for extra | | | | than happy to enroll seniors in their degree programs. |
| entertainment. But how can seniors living on their | | | | Seniors may be eligible for a tuition discount, |
| own, outside a retirement community, find | | | | depending on their age. Although some seniors may |
| appropriate educational programs? | | | | be intimidated by attending classes with much |
| The first place to look for such programs is at the | | | | younger students, the experience can be extremely |
| local level. Most communities have a governmental | | | | gratifying. Younger students often appreciate having |
| department dedicated to serving seniors in the | | | | seniors share their courses and instructors enjoy |
| community. They often publish a list of activities | | | | teaching seniors who are often more disciplined and |
| available to area seniors and frequently are able to | | | | interested than their younger counterparts. |
| provide transportation to and from activities. In | | | | Finally, the community library often offers activities |
| addition to meal programs and social gatherings, | | | | specifically tailored to seniors like book clubs, |
| these departments often offer educational courses in | | | | discussion groups and the like. Libraries also offer |
| many different subjects. | | | | computer literacy courses and courses on how to |
| Local public schools are also a good source of | | | | use the Internet, sometimes tailored specifically to |
| interesting courses and opportunities. Many school | | | | seniors. |