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Quick senior link–
Is there help available for my fall chores?
Q: I have recently retired and am
looking for educational opportunities. Do you have some suggestions?
A: Seniors today have a wide
array of opportunities for education. Elderhostel is America’s first and the
world’s largest educational travel organization for adults 55 and over. It is
a not-for-profit organization that provides learning adventures to nearly
250,000 older adults each year. Its belief is that learning is a lifelong
pursuit that opens minds and enriches lives. It also believes that sharing new
ideas, challenges and experiences is rewarding in every season of life.
Participants come from every walk of life to learn together, to exchange ideas
and to explore the world.
Elderhostel’s instructors, group leaders and
staff create experiences by sharing information, leading field trips, and
cultural excursions and by taking care of details. There are no grades or tests.
All that’s needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief
that learning and discovery are lifelong activities.
Elderhostel programs are all-inclusive. There
are no hidden expenses. In addition to accommodations, fees for Elderhostel
programs include meals, lectures, field trips, cultural excursions, gratuities
and medical insurance coverage.
To find out what programs are being offered,
you can contact Elderhostel toll-free at 1-877-426-8056, Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Community education programs offered through
your local school are another avenue to check into for educational
opportunities. These programs are usually also interested in having older adults
teach classes and share their experiences with others.
Many colleges also offer classes to seniors who
want to sit in on the class for no credits on a room-available basis for a low
fee or even for free. Check with your local community college or university for
these educational opportunities.
Senior centers are another good source for
educational opportunities. Enjoy a meal and learn more about programs available
in your community through speakers and special events planned at the centers.
Many regions host Senior Surf Days and annual
aging conferences, opportunities for older adults to learn and interact with
other seniors. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Senior LinkAge Line®
for educational offerings and resource materials.
Quick Senior Link items are taken from frequent
calls to the Senior LinkAge Line®, a free service that connects seniors to
programs or services that they need. Call 1-800-333-2433 or visit www.mnaging.org.
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