One of the challenges in creating a satisfying lifestyle after retirement lies in finding meaningful experiences and social interactions to enrich our lives. While many solitary pursuits provide intellectual stimulation, many adults find that participation in lifelong learning programs offers an additional avenue for mental stimulation and social interaction.
Lifelong learning programs provide access to an ongoing array of new ideas and experiences, in the classroom, and beyond. Participation in these programs allow adults to develop the personal interests that are often set aside while raising families, and focusing on full or part-time work.
Participants can share their knowledge and experience by leading informal courses or by taking leadership roles within their learning community. Lifelong learning programs acknowledge that participants have valuable experiences that can and should be shared with others. The programs also provide avenues for social interaction with an expansive community of peers. Many find that new friendships are forged as they share their opinions in class discussions or work side by side on projects.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of the University of Oregon (OLLI-UO) offers a flexible schedule of lectures, peer-led study groups, short courses, field trips and tours in two Oregon program sites. Here in Central Oregon, classes led by OLLI-UO members, current and retired faculty from the University of Oregon, and other colleges and universities, independent scholars and community experts are offered at the UO Bend Center at the Duck Store at 80 NE Bend River Mall Drive.
OLLI-UO is part of a thriving network of 117 institutes of lifelong learning that has received funding from the Bernard Osher Foundation. Program design and curriculum is determined locally, and while there are many variations on the theme, all share the common goal of providing stimulating learning experiences for increasingly diverse groups of older adult learners.
Membership is open to all interested adults, no previous affiliation with the university is required. OLLI-UO members pay a single fee that covers either annual or six-month membership and participation in the majority of the program offerings in Bend or the Eugene-Springfield program sites.
This fall, OLLI-UO in Central Oregon will offer a free one-day sampler of programming at the UO Bend Center. Preregistration is required for all participants. For more information about the program, or the sampler event, call the UO Academic Extension Office, 800-824-2714 or osher.uoregon.edu
