Most people attend educational institutions when they’re young, enter the workforce immediately afterward, and never look back. But returning to school later in life can be a fulfilling experience, especially for retirees who want to study a subject they’re interested in simply because it interests them.
A retiree’s relationship with their education is different from a young student’s relationship with theirs. Younger people typically take classes as a road to employment first.
One of the best parts of returning to school as a retiree is that you’re free to study whatever you like, including all the subjects you’re curious about but never had time to explorebefore.
Educational Options for Retirees
What level a retiree can study at depends on the education they already have.A retiree with a high school diploma, for instance, probably will not be able to take a graduate class on art history, whereas a retiree with a BA in art history will. But retirees do not have to enroll in a college or community college to study a subject they are interested in. Other available options can be equally rewarding.
Academic classes aren’t the only options retirees have. Community centres and public libraries often provide classes and workshops to all members of the community.Residences for assisted living in Ottawa also offer classes to residents where they can learn a new skill or participate in a physical activity like Tai Chi or a walking group.Residents of retirement homes that encourage active living don’t have to look far for something new to do or learn.
Ultimately, you should choose the class that you think you’ll most enjoy. Retirement is an opportunity to do what you want to do, not what you feel you’re supposed to do.It’s your chance to seize the day!
How to Choose the Course You’ll Enjoy the Most
If you’re fortunate enough to live in a big city where your course options are seemingly limitless, you may come across a sort of luxury problem: when there are so many courses to choose from, and so many of them interest you, how can you possibly choose?
Going with your gut could work out for you, but it’s also important that you do your research. If you’re considering taking a course at a public library, for instance, see if you can find reviews of the course online or see if you can talk to someone who’s already taken the course to get their insight.
Plenty of courses also offer the opportunity audit,so you can get a sense of what the course is like before deciding whetherto enroll officially.
If you have the prerequisites and are considering taking a course at the college or even graduate level, see if you can get the syllabus and course outline.
Another tip: when in doubt, choose the course you’re most curious about. Curiosity is not only motivating, but it can also make you feel young again.
