Lifelong Learning Programs  

Retirees that want to increase their knowledge on engaging topics can participate in "lifelong learning programs". These types of programs are offered at various locations across the US and by enrolling you'll be able to discover new areas of interest or choose to pursue a life-long passion. One retiree-friendly education program supporting people 50 and older is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Participants in this program can study nationally at over 120 universities and colleges ranging from a single lecture to a full semester. Instead of enrolling as a student does at a university, you’d become a member of the Osher Institute and then choose which from their current courses. These are typically held on university and college campuses and are taught by local experts.

If there is a specific campus or program that the Osher Institute doesn’t provide, then directly contact the college or university and ask if they offer any lifelong learning programs. Taking a course can be a great opportunity to develop connections with people in similar situations and meet other retirees striving to continue their education. 

Audit Regular University Classes

If you'd rather engage with college-age students and keep the price down then auditing a regular course at a university or college may be more your speed. Auditing is a way to participate in the classroom atmosphere, but instead of receiving credits or grades, you're just there to learn. Choosing to audit is less stressful than enrolling full-time and meant for someone wanting to have fun. Countless universities allow people aged 60 and older to audit regular courses for free, so it's worth investigating if you're interested. This option is the perfect opportunity to bring your mature and unique point of view to an otherwise mainstream classroom. 

Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver 

For some, the added free time within retirement can be a chance to restart their career and it's never been easier for a more seasoned student to enroll full-time in a university or college. This level of education can be more expensive and if you want to achieve a full degree, then begin researching tuition discounts for those in retirement. You may be surprised that in the US some universities will waive or highly reduce tuition prices for classes taken by senior citizens. You'll need to meet certain requirements determined by the school, but you could potentially get the tuition cost covered completely. Contact the individual school you're looking into to see if this option is available. 

Library and Community Center Courses

Education courses could be right around the corner at your local community center or library. Libraries often offer free classes to senior citizens on topics like computers, technology, and art. While community centers have more general workshops for a small fee or at a reduced price for senior citizens. Either of these can be a valuable option if you want a more relaxed and less expensive opportunity to stretch your learning within the bounds of retirement.

Educational Travels

Continuing your education doesn't have to mean just studying in the local community, for those with a desire to travel the world and learn you can enroll in programs like Road Scholar. Their mission is to inspire adults through custom traveling experiences and to embrace lifelong learning. Road Scholar offers 5,500 in-depth learning expeditions traveling to over 150 countries to those aged 50 and older. When discovering the right experience you can choose to filter courses based on region, activity level, and price. Semester at Sea is another lifelong learning-inspired program catered to those 40 and older who are searching for a traveling experience. Within this program, participants live on a large ship that wanders from port to port exploring new countries worldwide. Retirees will study alongside undergraduate students from around the globe. Also, there are opportunities to teach a seminar or mentor undergraduates in your respective retired field while studying on the sea. 

Beyond the simple joy of having something to occupy your calendar when choosing to become a lifelong learner, you can benefit both your mental health and overall happiness. A report by Neurology discusses while cognitive activity can’t fully prevent Alzheimer’s, continuing to learn can help delay symptoms. It’s also been proven developing difficult new skills at an older age is linked to improving memory. Retirement can mean a positive change in your day-to-day life, so thinking about how you want to spend your time before you retire is key to a successful transition into the next stage of your life.