In a vibrant garden in Littleton, Janet Kester finds joy not only in the blooming flowers but also in the science that underpins their growth. At 80 years old, Kester is a testament to the power of curiosity. Her colorful blouse reflects her personality, and her passion for teaching shines as she leads a class on plants through the University of Denver’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).
Having taught her course approximately 16 times, Kester notes, “People keep wanting to know more about joy! They want more joy.”
OLLI stands as a hub for lifelong learning, offering over 300 courses each year, held both online and in-person across locations like Denver, Broomfield, Golden, and Littleton. This fall, classes range from “Ten Voyages of Discovery and Survival” to “How Can We End Homelessness in America?” along with topics in music, art, history, public affairs, and more.
Kester’s own journey with OLLI has been a transformative one. After the loss of her husband at 65, she discovered OLLI provided an invaluable sense of community and intellectual engagement. “It absolutely filled a void of intellectual stimulation,” she shared, underscoring the importance of lifelong learning for maintaining mental acuity. As she explained, no tests or homework are required, allowing emphasis on enjoyment and exploration of subjects simply for the love of learning.
The benefits of lifelong learning extend far beyond intellectual pursuit. Studies support the notion that continuous education combats cognitive decline, fosters emotional resilience, and nurtures social connections. Laura Uzzle, co-executive director of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at DU, emphasizes that retirees often find themselves grappling with a sense of purpose: “People retire, get through their short bucket list, and then think, ‘Okay, what’s next?’ Having that sense of purpose is crucial for mental and physical health.”
Kester, who enjoys challenging herself, remarked that her involvement in classes outside her comfort zone, such as cosmology, has enhanced her conversational skills. “If I were with some people who knew a little bit about black holes, I think I might understand a little,” she said with humility, reflecting on the integration of new knowledge into her existing wealth of experience.
Reflecting on her background as a middle school teacher, Kester notes the unique energy of OLLI classes. “We are all wanting to be there. We bring a huge amount of knowledge that young people don’t necessarily have,” she observed, highlighting a session where a participant shared personal expertise on deforestation in Africa, enriching the class discussion.
David Lippman, an 81-year-old who has balanced competitive handball with teaching and taking OLLI classes, experienced skepticism when he first joined. He initially feared the courses would simply be avenues for showing off knowledge. However, he discovered a welcoming environment where diverse perspectives coexist. “We do not all agree, but it’s a warm, vibrant community,” he noted.
Lippman’s enthusiasm extends to his own teaching, including popular courses like “Controversial Presidential Elections” and an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s “Democracy in America.” His wife, Christina Simpson, praises his teaching style and the depth of thought he provokes. “He brings out a depth of thinking that I think is unique and recognized in the groups,” she said.
OLLI courses cover a wide array of subjects, engaging individuals across varying interests. Participants have the opportunity to suggest and teach classes, enhancing the breadth of learning offered. Gary Wyngarden, with a background in health care, has taught about the history of Palestine as well as impactful courses revolving around civil rights, such as meeting participants of the “Blood Sunday” event. He remarked, “You learn so much more when you teach a class than when you just take a class.”
In a time rife with societal division, Wyngarden appreciates the civility of his classmates. His teaching environment allows students to engage and share thoughts outside the classroom, further enriching their understanding. He notes that while students may initially join a course for knowledge, they often stay for the meaningful connections and sense of community formed.
For Janet Kester, her involvement with OLLI has led to profound friendships and support systems. After an outing with fellow participants, she reminisced about lunching with six new friends. “We’ve turned into, I guess you’d say, a support group. We love each other, and that just came from an OLLI outing,” she recounted, highlighting the importance of these connections in her life.
Research indicates that social isolation can be as detrimental as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, as noted by the National Institute on Aging. Uzzle has witnessed the remarkable changes that OLLI can bring to individuals’ lives, recounting an instance where a woman credited the program with saving her father’s life after the loss of her mother led to his isolation.
The financial commitment to OLLI courses is approachable, typically ranging from $50 to $70, with scholarships also available. Membership in OLLI entitles participants to certain free courses, weekly online fitness classes, and access to various shared interest groups, including bridge, skiing, and board games. With over 2,000 members at DU and 1,800 at Colorado State University, OLLI stands strong in promoting lifelong learning.
With the fall term commencing on September 15 at DU and September 22 at CSU, various higher education institutions across Colorado offer lifelong learning opportunities designed for older adults. CU Denver even has programs tailored to assist those nearing or transitioning from their primary careers.
Through community, engagement, and intellectual growth, lifelong learning continues to enrich the lives of older adults across the state, exemplifying the vitality of learning that knows no age limit.
image source from：cpr
