Retirement means different things to everyone, but the one fact for all is that it opens a new chapter in life. While some of the associated feelings that come with retirement may be those of withdrawal, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’ve reached the end of growth, learning, or socialization.
My life, since I retired in 2003, is evidence. Through lifelong learning and new friendships, I’ve discovered how beneficial it is to stay active during the retirement years — even if these “golden years” come with a few extra aches and grumbles.
On retiring after 30 years working as a school librarian, I was looking for new ways to fill my time, as was my husband who had retired just a few years before me. A friend mentioned she had heard about a program at UC San Diego called the Institute for Continued Learning, now known as the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, established in 1974 by a group of retired university professors who wanted to continue to explore new academic interests.
She thought I might be interested, and she was right. At the time, I was planning a trip to Russia, and the course catalog announced a multi-session panel discussion moderated by a member who had been part of the Foreign Service and stationed in Moscow for many years.
While the series didn’t offer the exact information I was looking for in terms of planning my trip, it was a fascinating and memorable experience nonetheless. Even more interesting were the question-and-answer sessions that followed the discussions. I was hooked. From there, my husband and I got curious about other Osher lectures and the variety of topics being explored by the group.
We quickly found Osher offered more than just interesting lectures; discussion groups, social events, field trips, and book clubs were also part of the membership experience. The diverse community of members, with its melting pot of perspectives, seemed to foster a rich lifelong learning environment where there would always be something new to discover.
We have now been members for almost twenty years and can confirm that there is always something new to discover. Recently, we traveled as a group to The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture in Riverside to explore the vast collection of Chicano art. We’ve also enjoyed private guided tours of the Stuart Collection at UC San Diego, Petco Park, the Mingei International Museum, and San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife Ramona Campus, to name a few. These group outings help us get to know each other and make learning more engaging and fun.
The San Diego neighborhood tours are a favorite for locals and newcomers alike. There are also a variety of member-led discussion groups that meet weekly, monthly, or quarterly to discuss a topic or book. Also drawing in a steady crowd is Osher’s Theater World program, which hosts music and theater-related events. For some, participation in Theater World performances marks the first time they’ve tried acting or singing outside of the shower!
Today, many of my closest friends are people I’ve met through the program over the years, and these friendships go beyond the classroom. My husband and I now each have our own monthly breakfast dates with friends we’ve made along the way.
Our participation with Osher has been transformative, providing stimulation, a wonderfully diverse community, and a range of opportunities for connection. My wish for everyone in a similar life phase is to find this kind of community and have the opportunity to pursue the joys of learning and connection.
Don’t get me wrong — I’m still aging! And the older I get, the harder everything becomes. But by staying mentally and physically active in retirement, I know I have a better shot at enjoying the later years. I encourage anyone inclined to seek out opportunities to engage with continuing education, whatever that may look like for you.
Marsha Korobkin is a member of UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies Osher Institute of Lifelong Learning and resides in San Diego.
Hence then, the article about opinion lifelong learning can transform retirement with stimulating experiences and new friendships was published today ( ) and is available on Times of San Diego ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Opinion: Lifelong Learning Can Transform Retirement with Stimulating Experiences and New Friendships )
Also on site :
- Scott Ritter say he was ‘de-banked’
- AI boom fuels fears of an industry bubble (VIDEO)
- Timothy Hutton, 65, and Judd Hirsch, 90, Reunite in Rare Appearance To Honor Director Robert Redford