For various reasons, many children were unable to obtain an elementary or secondary education. Some of these had the ability and the desire to get a high school diploma, but they kept encountering road blocks along the way. Eventually educational authorities started trying harder to find ways to help individual's access elementary and secondary educational facilities. Basic education learning outlets began to pop up; and not too long thereafter, the GED (Grade Equivalency Diploma) came into existence. Many children, middle-agers and seniors took advantage of these opportunities. read more

Love gardening? Shakespeare? Robotics? Ever wanted to delve into philosophy or explore an artistic technique? Heading back to college just may be the answer. An ever-increasing number of colleges and universities across the country are welcoming seniors into the classroom—for free or with dramatically reduced tuition. In your retirement, enrolling in a class (or two) just may provide the social and intellectual engagement you've been considering without a hefty price tag. read more

Research has shown that mental exercise during someone's lifetime (from early to late ages) can contribute to a slower mental decline in old age. Studies report that the actions you take can help keep your mind as sharp as possible when you age. Mental exercise helps your brain stay active and alive so your thinking and reasoning skills, memory, and processing speed remain as strong as possible. read more

Alzheimer's. Maybe you and your family are already familiar with this disease, or you're worried about becoming all too familiar with it. And with good cause. Alzheimer's is one of the nation's costliest and devastating diseases. It's the sixth leading cause of death in the US and the fifth leading cause of death for those age 65+. read more

Grandparents were placed in our lives to play the role that offers an abundance of all of those basic human necessities. Without our grandparents, we would most likely be a good ten pounds lighter (because nothing says "grandma's house" like food does), a little less educated on life lessons, and a whole lot more lonesome. read more