Program helps those 50 and over enjoy a lifelong love of learning

Published 2:38 pm Wednesday, November 2, 2011

There’s no test. No homework. No grades and no pop quizzes.

Instead, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers people 50 and older a way to stay active and engaged through education.

With more than 500 members around the Puget Sounds, the program is robust and growing, officials say.

Since 2009, classes have been offered at the Carl Gipson Senior Center in Everett, in addition to the University of Washington in Seattle, Horizon House on First Hill and in Renton.

Courses are led by retired professors or local experts.

Recent topics have included biology, literature, music theory, art and social economics.

Everett resident Betty Savage, 89, has taken several courses, including a class in early film.

“It was very interesting and very good,” Savage said.

The Osher Foundation began sponsoring education programs for older adults more than a decade ago, said David Blazevich, a senior program officer with the foundation.

Today there are more than 105,000 members at more than 100 institutes across the country, he said.

“People are living longer and they’re looking for more ways to find enrichment and community in their senior years,” Blazevich said.

Classes offered in Everett are managed out of the University of Washington.

For $85 a year, people 50 and older may participate in lunch-time seminars and study groups, plus have access to specialized courses that typically cost $35.

“The idea is so people can keep learning their whole lives,” said Chaya Siegelbaum, a coordinator at the University of Washington. “It’s just learning for the love of it.”

The classes form a community and give people purpose.

“Lifelong learning enhances our personal development, social involvement and active citizenship, and is vital to making informed choices that enrich our lives and benefit society,” said Bernard Silbernagel, a retired scientist, Osher member and instructor.

Osher offers 17 classes each quarter including five in Everett. Each class topic is reviewed and approved by the University of Washington.

While the winter quarter schedule is still being finalized, classes topics are likely to include: The Story of Jazz, Nature Observed through Literature, Inside the Superior Court, So you think you know the French, Shakespeare, History of Everett and The Healing Power of Positive Thinking.

Learn more

For more information, to register for a class or become a member, go to osher.washington.edu/olli/ or call 206-685-7372.