How To Retire Happy, Wild and Free by Ernie J. Zelinski has only one chapter devoted to lifelong learning but I am convinced that he could have written an entire book on the subject. He reminds us that no matter how old we are, there is always something to learn.
Zelinski uses the term “college drop-in” and he urges older people to go back to school. You may be retiring from a job, but you are not retiring from life. Even retirees who already have college degrees can find subject matter that will tickle their fancies. If you were a high school dropout you can still study for your GED. You might find that you enjoy the process so much that you want to continue on with your studies. If you can’t read you can apply for help from a local literacy program. The whole world will open up for you. Reading is a powerful tool.
You can enroll in college or sign up for an interesting lecture series offered by a Creative Retirement Institute. You will be thrilled to be a member of such a learned community, and that is a pretty heady feeling. Creative Retirement institutions offer non-credit classes in a variety of subjects. The programs (sponsored by local colleges or universities) offer non-credit classes on a variety of subjects. The students vary from retired professionals to high school dropouts.
Some retirees enroll in programs so that they can receive a degree. Your motivation may be that you want to qualify for a job or to just broaden your knowledge base. Many retirees enroll in programs that offer non-degree courses. Academic achievement is exciting. Older people find that they can enjoy classes just for the fun of it. It is a good feeling to be able to sit back, listen and absorb the materials without the stress of memorizing tidbits. You now have the opportunity to learn about everything imaginable. Wouldn’t it be nice to start a conversation with a few choice tidbits that you read or learned about in school, instead of the usual complaints?
If there is not a Creative Retirement program in your areas, you can still enroll in college courses without actually having to complete a degree. Many colleges and universities permit retirees to audit classes for a small fee. This is really fun because you get to learn interesting material without the stress and pressure of exams; assignments and papers are also optional but what the heck, go ahead. Auditors are not seeking a degree. They are sitting in on a class because they want to learn something new. You will be surprised at how much more fun college is the second time around (when you actually want to be there).
Going back to college can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride. If you dropped out of college 40 years ago, there is no reason why you can’t finish up that degree today. It is stimulating to be around young people and you will enjoy listening to the professors. You have enough of your own history that you actually can relate to what they are talking about. Believe me, they love having you in class as much as you love being there.
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