Back to School - A Rising Trend Among Seniors

Many retirees re-visit dreams of obtaining a degree or simply enjoy learning with friends. This educational trend is rising and it contributes to the creation of flexible courses accessible to older adults in a variety of formats. In British Columbia we also have The Third Age Learning or ElderCollege, an international movement whose aims are to provide education opportunities to retired members of the community. There are currently 18 organizations located throughout the province providing programs. For more information visit online at lifetimelearningcentre.org and in the mean time here are some tips:

• TALK is a participatory learning experience with no quizzes, grades or prerequisites. The learning process is full of discussion,controversy,humour, insight and wisdom. In addition to participating in courses, you can become a course facilitator, plan curriculum, identify speakers, prepare newsletters, recruit new members, and help organize events in Surrey, Langley, Delta, and Richmond.
• Join VIU ElderCollege and challenge your mind in an informal atmosphere. ElderCollege offers 6-week courses in Nanaimo and Parksville on stimulating topics for those 50 or better. Make new friends and learn something new!
• SFU’s Liberal Arts and 55+ Program has been offering university-level non-credit courses to older adult learners since the 1970s. Classes cover a diverse topics!
• UBC Elder Scholar courses are designed to meet the needs of retired and semi-retired adults, but are open to all adult learners. Course formats include lectures, seminars, study groups, and walking tours. UBC Elder Scholar courses are offered in the fall and winter terms at the UBC Point Grey campus. 
• Learning in Retirement (LIR) via Selkirk College offers our 50+ community the opportunity to explore old and new interests in a relaxed and stimulating learning environment. LIR began in 2009 with 18 members, and by March 2016 had grown to a membership of 312!
• Take the time to look online! Many Universities will offer paid or free online courses.  Khan Academy offers free lectures on a variety of subjects from ‘Math for fun and glory’ to ‘World and Art History’.Or take more free online courses on campus via Stanford, University of Toronto or Edinburgh online. Ted Talks also offers free short talks in 110 languages from world experts. Topics range from entertainment to science and global issues. 

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