The Labor Day holiday has traditionally marked the end of summer and the return to school. Back to School advertisements abound – online, on the radio, in newspapers and catalogs. If you are an older adult, the thought of heading back to school may seem like a distant memory. It need not be. There are several ways to continue lifelong learning as the season shifts into fall.
In Contra Costa County there are many course offerings geared to seniors. This fall many of the offerings will be in-person and/or via distance learning. You could acquire new skills, gain a new hobby, or accomplish a lifetime goal.
Mt. Diablo Adult Education provides “lifelong learning opportunities for adults of all ages and abilities.” A quick sampling of their offerings includes Blogging, Cooking/Baking, English as a Second Language, High School Diploma Classes, French or Spanish, Technology Classes, Personal Enrichment, and the list goes on.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers a variety of interesting classes for older adults based out of the CalState East Bay Campus. OLLI is offering courses both in person and online on a variety of arts & cultural topics such as American Musical Theater, So Surreal! The Birth of Surrealism in Art & Literature, and Hollywood in the Thirties: A Window on America to name a few. Classes run for varying lengths and prices. For example, the course A Short Course on Dutch Art will run for three Tuesdays in October from 10 – 12pm in person on the Concord campus with a cost of $64 for nonmembers ($42 for members).
Senior Centers across the county are starting to re-open their doors again and are offering up a host of fun programs for older adults. Some classes may be offered through these centers. Check out the site closest to you:
It’s always a good time to try something new.