The participants of the Senior College from our region will have the opportunity to learn something new to help their minds and perceptions change, which in turn makes it easier for them to adapt to the inevitable changes life always brings.
It’s never too late to learn something new, just ask the 105 students enrolled in ɫƵ’s newest initiative, Senior College.
The program offers intellectually stimulating seminars and courses for mature learners. Each course lasts six weeks and is intended to foster creativity and self-discovery.
Michael Sutton of Whitman signed up for “Living on Purpose: Building and Maintaining Meaningful Relationships When Work Ends.” After his second session, he said he’s enjoying the experience.
“I thought taking a class like this might be helpful because I’m recently retired. I’ve got a lot of free time to fill and I’m learning to adjust to my new role in retirement,” Sutton said.
He’s not alone. According to Cape Cod Campus Continuing Studies Director Jennifer Reid, a recent nationwide survey of over 1,000 older adults found that seniors are interesting in continuing their education to keep up with what’s going on in the world, learning for their own spiritual growth, or for the simple joy of learning something new.
The College of Continuing Studies took on the initiative after President Frederick W. Clark Jr., '83, requested the creation of a dynamic program to improve active aging, allowing mature adults to engage in a meaningful way with their peers in the region.
“The participants of the Senior College from our region will have the opportunity to learn something new to help their minds and perceptions change, which in turn makes it easier for them to adapt to the inevitable changes life always brings,” Reid said.
The first six-week semester is currently underway and offers four courses. Topics this fall include community engagement, constitutional rights, nutrition, retirement, history and politics.
Next semester runs Oct. 28 through Dec. 9 and will offer four courses. Classes are held at the Bridgewater Public Library, located at 15 South Street, Bridgewater.
Participants 50 and older can select up to three courses per semester for $55 per person, per semester. All classes are led by ɫƵ emeritus faculty, full and part-time faculty and other educators in science, social sciences, arts and humanities.
For more information email ɫƵseniorcollege@bridgew.edu or call 508-531-2570. More information can also be found online at /ccs/seniorcollege.
Do you have a ɫƵ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.