This blog was initiated following the “What you need to know about OLLI today!” presentation on the innovative program designed, in part, to keep seniors active and engaged in life and their community. Click on the title above to add a comment or to see what others are saying.
One response to “Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UMass Boston Blog”
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Lifelong Learning = Engaged and Healthy Aging!
We hope folks have had an opportunity to watch the presentation we did last Friday morning. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UMass Boston is a community of older adults ages 50 and better who want to continue the joy and love of learning. No homework or tests, our courses and programs engage our members both intellectually and socially. While our lifelong learning program is based out of UMass Boston, there are no prior education requirements or association with the university that is needed to join OLLI. Just the desire to keep learning!
While most of our members join because they want to satisfy their curiosities through our courses (which cover a variety of topics), they come to enjoy OLLI because they are meeting new people and making connections. Our travel and theatre opportunities engage folks on another level and provide social and cultural outings. As for teaching for OLLI, we do depend mostly upon volunteers in order to help keep the membership fees low for our members. Presenters do not need to be a member of OLLI to teach.
We are a membership based organization, and while our annual fees are modest, we also have individual scholarships available for folks who might need financial assistance. OLLI at UMass Boston is also a volunteer run organization, and our members give back through volunteering their time to teach a course, serve on a committee, or lead and organize social groups.
OLLI at UMass Boston is part of a network of 120 OLLIs across the country (funded by The Bernard Osher Foundation). There are four OLLIs in Massachusetts: UMass Boston, Brandeis, Tufts, and Berkshire Community College. Each OLLI is hyperlinked to their main website if you care to check them.
I’d be happy to answer any questions about OLLI at UMass Boston or lifelong learning.
Thank you for all you do in the field of aging research and services!
Take care,
Jim
Jim Hermelbracht, director
james.hermelbracht@umb.edu
MGA 
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