September 8, 2023 —From fulfilling careers and volunteer pursuits to a wealth of knowledge and passion for learning, today’s older adults simply aren’t interested in slowing down. In fact, for older adults like you, the desire to continue learning is increasing – and that has its benefits.
Benefits of Lifelong Learning for Older Adults
Lifelong learning does more than simply enhance retirement; it also provides opportunities for social connectivity, allows you to meet new people with similar interests, gives your brain a boost, is intellectually stimulating, can prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and can even help you live longer.
There are a range of ways to participate in lifelong learning, including online avenues or in-person programs. This allows older adults to take control of how they learn in retirement. Below, you’ll find a list of learning opportunities to suit your interests and way of learning.
Online Lifelong Learning Programs for Seniors
If you aren’t sure about attending in-person lifelong learning programs, virtual options are a great place to start. Many allow you to learn new skills and continue your education at your own pace. If you’re considering virtual educational programming, check out some of these options.
Online Classes
No matter whether you’d like to learn on your own, watch videos to learn more about a subject, or practice a completely new skill, online classes can help.
- Check out online classes from AARP’s Senior Planet
- Watch TED Talks
- Learn a new language with an app like Duolingo
Virtual Travel
With the wide variety of virtual tours and livestreams now available, it’s easier than ever to travel from your own home. Enjoy museum tours, view livestreams of nature, or take a virtual trip to a popular location.
Online Performances
Whether you want to watch something live or you’d rather take in Broadway from your own home, there are a few ways you can enjoy the arts virtually.
- Look up Broadway musicals on streaming services
- Listen to audio livestreams from The Met
- Check out some cultural events on Eventbrite
In-Person Lifelong Learning Programs
If you’re among those who would prefer a more traditional way of learning or would like to continue their education in person, there are plenty of ways to do just that.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
Take a non-credit course at a local community college or university with the Bernard Osher Foundation’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes. These programs are available throughout the United States and are geared toward older adults. Make sure to keep track of registration periods so you don’t miss out.
Educational Seminars and Lectures
Libraries, educational institutions and clubs may host educational seminars and lectures for the public to attend. Check your local library’s website and events calendar, stay up to date with educational institutions, and look for upcoming community events to attend.
Classes and Groups
It’s always a good time to learn something new. If you have an interest, pursue it.
- If you’ve wanted to try pottery, find a local pottery class
- If stained glass is your passion, see if you can find a course in the area
- If you love gardening, find a gardening club or group
Tours and Museum Visits
Take a tour of museums, historical homes, battlefields and more. Your local chamber of commerce will have information on popular destinations.
Lifelong Learning at Kendal on Hudson
Active retirement communities like Kendal on Hudson allow older adults to enter into a community of lifelong learners. Not only do we make it easier to enjoy new opportunities as a result of freedom from housekeeping and home maintenance, but our residents take it upon themselves to embrace every opportunity to learn that comes their way.
Special Interest Groups
Residents love our film groups; book club; poetry groups; music groups; and chess, mahjong and bridge groups. However, if you don’t see something you love, our resident-directed nature makes it easy to begin a new group. Even better, our huge volume of groups and committees is increasing all the time, so there’s always a chance to find something you love.
Lectures and Entertainment Events
Our area is full of cultural, educational and entertainment events, both within our community and in the greater community. Residents often enjoy:
- Visits to the opera
- Historical tours
- Fairs and park concerts
- Access to New York City’s cultural events, museums and gardens
Wellness Opportunities
Keeping residents healthy and independent is important to our team. Because of this, we offer a range of fitness classes, as well as meditation and mindfulness classes, to help residents enhance their overall wellness.
Experience Our Lifestyle
At Kendal on Hudson, our residents are lifelong learners who are making the most of their retirement. Come for a visit to see how rich life in our community can be.
Join Destination Kendal
If you’re not yet ready to move but would like to know there will be a place waiting here for you in the future, join our Destination Kendal Waitlist. Currently, this is the only way to gain entry into our community, so don’t wait! Call 833-235-5850 to learn more.