Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning, the process of keeping minds and bodies engaged at any age by actively pursuing knowledge and experience, is a critical part of aging successfully. The pursuit of knowledge through lifelong learning—whether it’s learning a new skill, joining an exercise class or locating a volunteer opportunity — has wonderful benefits for seniors of all ages because it:
- Keeps your mind sharp
- Improves memory
- Increases self-confidence
- Offers an inexpensive way to try something new
- Gives you a feeling of accomplishment
- Helps you meet people who share your interests
- Builds on skills you already have
Community Education
Open to all seniors in the community at no or low cost, current classes offering something for all interests and backgrounds include:
- Fitness (feeling fit)
- Interactive games (chess, scrabble, Wii)
- Health Education and Promotion programs (hearing screenings, fall prevention, blood pressure clinic, chronic disease management)
- Arts and Crafts (jewelry making, painting, knitting)
- General knowledge (travel, trivia, current events)
- Social activities (dance classes, birthday parties)
- Cyber Café (open computer lab, group classes, individualized health-focused instruction)
Civic Engagement
Designed to build social capital among Senior Community Centers’ clients, this program highlights seniors’ strengths rather than needs or weaknesses. By discovering their talents, knowledge, skills and abilities, older adults are encouraged to form relationships with others and participate in meaningful activities to enhance the quality of their lives and give back to the community.
A weekly Civic Engagement class is offered at the Gary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center. Seniors participants identify and address needs at the Wellness Center (services, classes, activities, etc.), receive training in advocacy skills and volunteer at local community organizations.
If you are interested in participating in the Civic Engagement class or are an organization in need of senior volunteers, contact Laura Stevens at (619) 487-0739 or laura.stevens@servingseniors.org.
