Education has been my vocation and passion for most of my life. So as a baby boomer, I can tell you that many of us are not just resting as we get to retirement age. Some of us are still actively engaged in our jobs, some in volunteer work, while still others are busy mentoring the next generation. Many of us are looking for the next “thing.”
While my course work has all been in pursuit of degrees, I have also taught several courses, some with more than 60 students in the classroom. One particular computer skills course was taken by several individuals and one couple. At the time, the couple was in their 70s and did not know much about computers, but wanted to learn. Even though we had enough computers for everyone, they worked as a team on one computer. When I asked why they were using only one computer, they stated they had only one computer at home and they always worked together. Whether you take a course individually or together with your significant other, the point is to find something in which you are interested, then find a course or workshop and take the plunge.
Lifelong learning is real and doable. The Ohio Department of Higher Education has a list of colleges and universities that allow persons over 60 to take courses for no credit at no cost. Nice! You might have to pay for books, fees or materials depending on the course, but the class itself is free. There are about 45 different campuses offering lifelong learning programs, some of which offer distance or online courses, making it even easier to attend. You do have to be enrolled in the college or university, but the admissions staff at each school will help you through the process and get you started.
The Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) program also provides free courses with locations across the state, often at career centers and community colleges. These courses teach lifelong learning skills such as computer literacy, writing and even workplace skills for those looking to change careers or seeking additional employment opportunities. Every one of Ohio’s 88 counties offers an ABLE program of some kind. Click here to find the location in your county.
So whether you have a particular interest or are looking for a new challenge, or just want to start a new business, there are courses and campuses right here in Ohio that will allow you to explore those interests and see where they’ll take you.
We may be past our midlife crisis, but that does not mean we can’t dream, explore and continue to develop ourselves. And to continue to develop ourselves means we continue to learn. There are still countless paths before us, and interesting journeys that lie within the lifelong learning opportunities available through the world-class institutions of higher learning here in Ohio.
Don’t miss your opportunity to do the next great thing. Go learn something!
