“It’s not your grandparent’s retirement,” is an expression that is often heard when referring to the changing face of options available for adults as they reach the age of retirement. More and more, this comment is ringing true as adults face the thought of creating a meaningful, interesting new path for their lives. While traditional retirement pastimes still appeal to some, others now seek a different path. Often that path leads the inquisitive adults towards educational options.Enter programs like the Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) at Nova Southeastern University, part of the College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-COM). In existence since 1977, the LLI has evolved from its early roots as a “peer-led” educational program where adults shared their lifetime expertise with others in leading classes or discussions, to the current format where over 170 “mature” adults attend a wide range of multidisciplinary, primarily expert-led lectures. From politics to literature; classical music to jazz; the LLI engages with its members and the community to provide the most challenging curriculum. LLI members may also audit two classes per semester anywhere in the university thus creating enriching intergenerational learning opportunities for young and old alike.
The results of this educational infusion are irrefutable. LLI members report a tremendous, positive impact on their lives. As one long time member once said, “The LLI adds structure to my life. It enhances my thinking, increases my knowledge and mental stimulation.”
Most people think of continuing education as the pursuit of another degree. While this is true in many cases for some older adults, enrolling in classes such as those at the Lifelong Learning Institute of Nova Southeastern University can also be strictly for fun, or enrichment. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of older adults aged 50-70 who participate in continuing education is growing and does include credit and non-credit based programs. The point is, more and more adults are turning to education as a key component of their retirement plans.
Combing continuing education or specialized interests into the concept of retirement living is also a growing phenomenon. The term “niche retirement” is quickly becoming a buzz word in the retirement business as more and more adults demand different and unique options. And the industry is responding accordingly. According to Andrew Carle, Executive-in-Residence, George Mason University Program in Senior Housing Administration, times have definitely changed.
"Worldwide studies have shown that today’s retirees want three things – active, intellectually stimulating, and intergenerational retirement environments. They don’t want to retire to a rocking chair on a porch, and they don’t want to be separated from the rest of society."
To answer this demand, some retirement communities are being developed to attract specialized interests including affiliations with universities (university-based retirement communities or UBRC’s), artist colonies for older adults, astronomy, equestrian and even “hippy” communities.
Whatever the choice is, it is encouraging for maturing Boomers to know that there are choices beyond the “rocking chair,” bingo or mahjong options. Whether it is taking day classes at the Lifelong Learning Institute at NSU or moving into an all-service independent community which meets your needs and interests, there will soon be an option for everyone. Education is for everyone and everyone should keep their minds active through learning.
