Retired in Ann Arbor: Osher Lifelong Learning

As summer winds down and fall is in the air, I start missing the beginning of the school year.  One of the best parts of living in Ann Arbor, is being surrounded by many opportunities to learn, without the pressure of grades and papers.  

The organization with some of the most interesting offerings is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, affiliated with the University here in Ann Arbor.  

I especially like their charter:
"Non-credit educational programs specifically developed for seasoned adults who are aged 50 and older; university connection and university support; robust volunteer leadership and sound organizational structure; and a diverse repertoire of intellectually stimulating courses."

Seasoned adults.  Yes!!  (You must be over 50 to join.)

After attending their kick-off meeting and poring over the catalog of classes, I have decided to sign up for the following:

• Popes of Baroque Rome and Architecture
• Enriching your Life:  End of Life Decisions
• Stroll through Ann Arbor's Old West Side
• Monday Art
• Our Food Supply:  A Complicated Story

This doesn't even scratch the surface of the excellent offerings for this year!  There are offerings in the evening, morning lecture series, local travel destinations, current events, fine arts, literature, personal improvement, sciences, and social sciences.  Interested in learning more?  Check out the offerings at http://www.olli-umich.org.

And there is another real benefit to attending classes here:  the opportunity to make some new friends.  Check out this article on loneliness and friendships on the website lifegoesstrong and see if this could be you.