Remember when you couldn’t wait for all the kids to grow up and for your job to be less demanding so you could possibly, some day go back to school?
Maybe now is the time!
If so, then you are not alone. The U.S. Department of Education statistics show that adult students are the fastest growing educational demographic which includes senior citizens. Perhaps after all those years, they have finally discovered what they want to be when they grow up and actually have the time to study it now!
Whatever the reason, lifelong learning should be a high priority. It enriches one’s daily life, gives them a deeper sense of purpose, allows for the joy of accomplishment, and gives opportunity to build new relationships with other like-minded people. The pursuit of knowledge to build skills, explore new ideas, enhance understanding and then share that with others are essential to leading a full life. It’s one way to help maintain or buffer our physical and mental well-being. And it’s fun!
There are many community education programs and schools that exist right in or near Geauga County that offer high-quality, credit and non-credit courses for older adults. Many state colleges and universities offer the over-60 learner the opportunity to attend classes at no cost. Maybe it’s time to check some of them out! Here are just a few.
Lakeland Community College
7700 Clocktower Drive
Kirtland, Ohio 44094
(440) 953-7716
1-800-589-8520, Extension 7116
“Golden Opportunities Senior Adult Program” is the title of the program available to seniors age 60+ through Lakeland’s Community Education Department. You do not need to be a resident of Lake County to participate in the programs. Activities include trips, computer workshops, exercise programs, training, arts and crafts programs, cooking lessons, home and garden classes, etc. There is a fee per activity. Call Lakeland direct for full information. Seniors may also attend college classes on a non credit basis at a reduced cost. Some restrictions apply. Please call Lakeland directly at a phone number listed above for full information.
Kenston Community Education
17425 Snyder Road
Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023
(440) 543-2552
The Community Education Department runs year round programs that may be of interest to seniors. You do not need to be a resident of Kenston School District to participate in the programs. Programs include art classes, ballroom dance lessons, computer workshops, etc. (There is a fee per activity.) Call for a free catalogue.
Kent State University At Geauga Campus
14111 Claridon-Troy Road
Burton, Ohio 44021
(440) 834-4187, (40) 951-1447
The “Senior Guest Program” provides to people age 55+ and retired, or to age 60+, the opportunity to audit a college course on a non-credit basis. Although there is no fee for the classes, students are required to pay for text books and/or supplies. This is a space available program.
Ohio happens to be one of the states with a large number of colleges that provide learning options for older adults. You can find a full list on Senior Resource’s Education for Senior Citizens page. And don’t forget about the extensive number of online learning programs out there now! That list is endless!
If this is something you might be interested in, but need help with transportation or would like to have someone to attend with you, the friendly folks at Seniors Helping Seniors can help! Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services matches seniors who want to help with seniors who need a little help. This peer-to-peer assistance allows seniors in need to receive compassionate care from someone they can trust and relate to. At the same time, seniors who want to help are given the opportunity to remain active in their community and often form strong relationships with the peers they are assisting. Visit their website for more information, call them at (440) 286-5166 or email us at craig.stella@shsohio.com.
