Older Learners Benefit From Participating in Lifelong Learning Programs
We're doing it right: Study finds intellectual stimulation gives seniors gains in self-esteem, sense of community, and spiritual renewal

Older Americans often dismiss learning and education, believing that with the conclusion of formal education or job related training; their learning years are far behind them.  Yet, those senior citizens who engage in lifelong learning find that education enhances their sense of well-being and improves their perception of aging, according to researchers at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Research Collaborative at the University of Southern Maine.  The study was conducted by E. Michael Brady, Ph.D., professor of adult education and senior research fellow at the Osher Institute and Rick Lamb, LCSW, research associate at the Institute.

Researcher Mike Brady	Researcher Rick Lamb

The study focused on the experiences of 45 members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) who had taken classes consecutively for at least three years.  The researchers’ goal was to discover what benefits are derived from long-term participation in lifelong learning, particularly at organized lifelong learning institutes. There are more than 500 such institutes at colleges and universities throughout the US serving an estimated 150,000 older learners.
     Learning new things and stretching the intellect is at once challenging and deeply satisfying for senior citizens, according to researchers. One 90-year old learner explained that she eagerly sought courses that were “mind stretching” noting, “I learn new things.  I think new things.”  Women in their 60s and 70s who had primarily served in a care taking and parental role during their lifetime, found especially that learning in later life was a wonderful outlet to “learn about things I’d always heard about” and gave women a chance to find their voice—their turn to learn something for themselves.  Even individuals without formal higher education were not out of their element in the institute learning environment and could sit comfortably side-by-side in class with a Ph.D., both learning for “the sheer joy of it.”
     The research also uncovered that lifelong learners feel that they have become more knowledgeable and interesting as a result of their continued learning. And their classmates agree, “We don’t just feel more interesting, we are more interesting.” While many confessed initial reluctance at going to classes with “a bunch of old people” they now find inspiration from fellow classmates who are intellectually engaged despite significant health or other age-related problems.  In addition they report looking past stereotypes to see the energy and vitality of their peers, changing their views about themselves—and therefore aging itself.  As one participant expressed “I feel validated for who I am.”
     For the many seniors who have experienced the loss of a spouse or other family members, lifelong learning organizations create an important community and social structure.   The openness, honesty, and trust that develop among classmates serves as a foundation for other benefits from participation, including a sense of renewal of the spirit. “The sense of community allows individuals to fulfill their need to quest for life’s meaning, for putting one's life in order, and see the whole picture,” according to researcher Michael Brady.  He continues, “The quest grows beyond their own formal religious education, expanding tolerance for other belief systems.” The quality of discourse on spiritual ideas “was a very rare thing” and took place on a regular basis “because you trust people.”
    The research will be published in the Spring 2005 edition of Educational Gerontology: An International Journal.   OLLI provides a curriculum of intellectually stimulating learning opportunities and special activities for persons 55 years of age or older and is one of 15 Senior Colleges in Maine.   OLLI at the University of Southern Maine serves as the National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes throughout the country.

Maine Senior Colleges have a very exciting line up of Spring courses. Here's a sample of just a few of the interesting courses being offered around the state:

Alea iacta est. One of the very successful classes at SAGE at the University of Maine Presque Isle is “Latin” is now entering its 3rd continuous semester. They are pleased to offer a very timely class this spring titled “Understanding Tsunamis”. 
Penobscot Valley Senior College is having a  “Rendezvous with a Comet” a special class where they will go to a simulator in Bangor. 
One special event scheduled this spring at Sunrise Senior College is a historical walk down Main Street Machias through pictures.  This month, they are offering 4 Saturday matinees of Maine films.  Each week will offer a feature film and a short that is about or filmed in the state.
Acadia Senior College has formed an affiliation with the College of the Atlantic and will participate in the Camden Conference with this year’s focus on the Middle East/Iraq. 
Which way to Old Orchard Beach? Lewiston Auburn Senior College is offering a new course called “Destinations” and will travel to many sites in the area, including Norlands and the Longfellow House. 
Gold Leafers at University of Maine Farmington are excited about an upcoming special event – a day at Saddleback Mountain with the new owners

Charlotte Renner Albright of Maine Public Radio produced a feature about Senior College and it’s been picked up by NPR.  It is primarily an interview with a 90 year old member of OLLI who makes us look great! To listen click here.