Bill Leonard
Assume for a moment that you are a curious older adult who wants to remain active and stay engaged in your community. Perhaps you have discovered deep down inside that even with life’s many events over the years, you still have a gap you want to fill to stay sharp, connected, and happy. Yet you are unsure where to turn to take your next step in life.
Let me suggest that lifelong learning may be that next step.
So, what is lifelong learning for older adults? Think of it as the continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one’s life, particularly during the later years. It's all about maintaining an active, curious mind, fostering social connections, and enhancing the quality of life through continuous education and personal development.
If you agree that learning remains crucial for cognitive health, mental well-being, and purpose and fulfillment regardless of age, your next question likely is how to find programs to fulfill your desire.
It turns out that Reno already has an organization right on its doorstep dedicated to the above. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Nevada, Reno is one of 125 OLLIs nationwide that offers adult lifelong learning education opportunities.
The executive director of OLLI, Dolores Ward Cox, graciously provides some of the history of OLLI. The Bernard Osher Foundation, founded in 1977, is a philanthropic organization headquartered in San Francisco that supports integrative health care and higher education through scholarships and lifelong learning institute endowments at colleges and universities throughout the nation. Every OLLI is funded partly by its endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation and in part by its members through dues and donations.
OLLI at UNR was established in 2007, originally known as the Elder College through Extended Studies at UNR. Now operating under the Sanford Center for Aging at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, OLLI at UNR envisions a future of continued growth and innovation.
OLLI at UNR has a dedicated group of over 100 volunteers, each bringing diverse talents and expertise to the table. They contribute in many ways, ranging from teaching and facilitating classes to organizing events and supporting OLLI’s mission and vision. Their professional and personal backgrounds span education, healthcare, arts, technology, and so much more.
What really sets OLLI apart is its strong sense of community and the wide range of opportunities that OLLI provides. OLLI’s members are incredibly engaged and passionate about learning and fostering a unique camaraderie. There is always something new and exciting happening.
Success stories? There are too many for one column, but one stands out. There was an OLLI member who, after losing her spouse, felt isolated and unsure about the next chapter in her life. After joining OLLI, she found a renewed sense of purpose and community. She started attending classes, made new friends, and even began volunteering. Stories like that highlight OLLI's transformative impact on individuals’ lives.
Challenges? The biggest one faced at OLLI at UNR, as with other OLLIs nationwide, is rebuilding its membership post-pandemic. It’s a fine line striving to balance its members' diverse interests and needs while maintaining high-quality programming.
OLLI at UNR is taking steps to overcome its challenges. First and foremost, OLLI is actively seeking new partnerships, exploring additional funding opportunities, and continuously engaging its members to better understand their needs. OLLI is also leveraging new technology to enhance its offerings to more people in rural areas and out-of-state.
What is the OLLI at UNR team most proud of? The team takes great pride in its ability to continually adapt and innovate to meet the needs and interests of its members.
A few more quick facts. The national Osher Lifelong Learning Institute network is not a franchise, and it’s not centralized in operations or governance. Each institute is unique and operates an independent initiative of its host institution with offerings tailored to its community's needs and interests. OLLI at UNR tailors its programs to the interests of the Reno community.
All Osher Institutes offer a wide variety of intellectually stimulating, university-level, non-credit courses and learning opportunities. There are no tests and no grades.
It is learning solely for the joy of learning.
OLLI at UNR fulfills the promise of education in its best sense: To develop the mind and spirit for a lifetime of purpose.
You have an opportunity right around the corner to learn more about OLLI at UNR on Wednesday, Aug. 14.
Sign up early for OLLI at UNR’s presentation from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with networking from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. During your visit, you will:
• Hear an overview of OLLI’s administrative operations and member services.
• Tour the campus.
• Hear insights into the history and mission of OLLI.
• Observe ongoing classes and activities.
• Learn more about OLLI’s outdoor and recreational activities.
So don't be late. Register now by visiting ncet.org.
Bill Leonard is VP of Communications at NCET and a ghostwriter of research-based opinion articles, white papers, and case studies for industry startup leaders, entrepreneurs, and consultants who seek to boost their authority. Connect with Bill on the web at Ghostwriting Ink. NCET produces education and networking events to help people explore business and technology.
