School’s Back: Why Seniors Should Head Back to College

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. Here are the top reasons to consider heading back to college.

1. Cognitive Engagement

Returning to the classroom, whether for credit or non-credit, engages the brain. You’ll be challenging yourself to read and understand new texts and complete assignments that encourage intellectual exploration. It’s never too late to learn a new language or acquire a new skill set, and there’s no better time than now. Many studies support the benefits of encouraging the brain to master new information after retirement. Presenting the brain with new information can actually create new neural networks to store and recall such information, effectively strengthening the brain against neurological decline.

2. Social Engagement

Classrooms are an excellent way to meet new people—some of whom may enthusiastically share your interests. And while many of your academic colleagues may be younger, they enjoy coffee and good conversation as much as anyone. Intergenerational friendships offer a wide range of benefits for all parties involved.

3. Diverse Perspectives

A classroom full of 20-somethings often lacks diverse perspectives. Entering a classroom with decades of experience can positively shift the conversation, and encourage younger generations to consider perspectives that typically wouldn’t occur to them. Being in the classroom can additionally bring dull textual readings to life if you can provide a human aspect to historic events or provide real-world examples of theories in practice.

4. Pure Fun

There’s no pressure! Earn a scuba diving certification. Learn to cook Thai food. Write an elegant paper on the portrayal of parental characters in Shakespeare’s plays. Attend school musical, athletic, and theatric events. Just have a good time. Uncover new knowledge for the pure reason of learning it. You’re future no longer depends upon earning a letter grade—just learn new knowledge for the fun of it. And maybe that Creative Writing class will help you uncover the poet or essayist that’s been there all along.

5. Social Contributions

Attending college in your retirement physically embodies that old phrase “life-long learner” while destroying the phrase “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” to ashes. The importance of education is paramount. And if you have the time, why not pursue an interest or curiosity you’ve not yet sated? Simply attending a class makes you a role model. You may find a student in need of guidance that you can provide. However most importantly, you’ll be conveying the pure joy of learning, and just may remind the younger students of why they’re there.

Many college professors welcome seniors into the classroom because doing so creates a more engaging classroom perspective. Decades of real experience and living through historic events can frame classroom discussions in new and interesting ways for all students within the class. And if the class you’re interested in is less discussion and more hands-on, then you’ll be working your mind as well as your hands! A simple call to your local college or university’s admissions office will get you started. Remember: it’s important to ask if the school currently offers a program for seniors to attend, and whether a tuition reduction (some as low as $10 per credit) or complete waiver is granted to seniors. Higher education institutions welcoming seniors back to school exist in nearly all 50 states, and each year more colleges and universities open their classrooms to non-traditional students. Hopefully, one such institution is located close to you; if not, you could always investigate online options.

Here at Senior Living Link, we want to educate and help better the lives of seniors across the nation. If you ever have questions or are just looking for some help don't hesitate to contact us or call at 1-844-480-8572 anytime!

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