Lifelong education program for seniors celebrates 50 years of inspiring continuous learning.
Temple University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a remarkable educational initiative that caters specifically to older adults, emphasizing lifelong learning as a pathway to enrich lives. Recently, a lecture held at the Center City campus highlighted themes of passion and purpose, showcasing their significance in fostering a fulfilling and healthy life. Instructor Adam Brunner, who is 66 years old, encouraged students to devote their time to activities that resonate with their passions, regardless of time constraints.
The class, titled “Let’s Live as Long and Healthy As Possible,” attracted participants primarily in their 60s and 70s, illustrating the institute’s mission to promote continuous learning among older generations. Enrollees are required to be at least 50 years old, and the institute is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of empowering seniors through education.
Classes offered through OLLI are not for academic credit; they feature a relaxed atmosphere devoid of exams and final projects. For an annual fee of 0, students have the opportunity to explore as many classes as they wish, with more accessible options available for specific terms. Phyllis Sledge, a retired caseworker, and Sylvia Williams, a former Equal Employment Opportunity Commission employee, both expressed gratitude for the structured engagement and social interactions provided by the program, having previously earned their bachelor’s degrees from Temple.
The instructors at OLLI, including those like James Pagliaro, who brings a wealth of experience from his former legal career, facilitate classes purely out of a desire to share knowledge. Pagliaro, who has a master’s in art history from Oxford, leads courses that attract both in-person and online participants, highlighting OLLI’s flexible and accommodating approach to education.
The program is part of a nationwide network, with similar offerings at institutions such as Pennsylvania State University and Rutgers University, allowing for a shared commitment to senior education across the country. At Temple, enrollment numbers have fluctuated, with more than 1,000 students engaging per year, a decline attributed to the pandemic which necessitated a shift to virtual classes. However, Brunner has plans to adapt the delivery method to reinvigorate participation by blending in-person and virtual formats.
The Osher program functions independently, supported by its revenue and a million endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation. Members also enjoy additional benefits, including access to university resources and tech tutoring provided by Temple’s students, which further enhances their learning experience.
Overall, OLLI stands as a vital platform not only for education but for fostering social connections among seniors. This initiative exemplifies the belief that learning is a lifelong endeavor, helping individuals engage with their interests and share their experiences, ultimately leading to a more enriched and purposeful life.
