Education doesn't have to end after high school or college.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that "lifelong learning" among older adults increases mental well-being and fulfillment in life.
The study found noticeable improvement in five key areas:
Self-education, like reading, is vital for decreasing cognitive decline. Continuing education programs are also available to seniors.
However, as older adults age, it can be more difficult to keep up with continuing education programs due to mobility concerns. An assisted living community in Lafayette, IN can make a difference in this area.
Discover more ways senior living activities can inspire more educational enrichment.
The study referenced noted how lifelong education improves social integration in seniors. One example of this point is joining a book club.
There are a few ways to find a book club.
First, talk to a Digby Place Activities Director about monthly reading activities. There may be scheduled book talks or book clubs depending on the month. Residents may also form book clubs as the community has plenty of meeting space.
Books also make wonderful gifts from friends and family outside of the community. Family members are encouraged to send their senior loved ones care packages with books.
Joining a book club at a local library is another option. Local libraries have their own event calendars where you can find weekly book club meet-ups. Authors will also stop by to talk about their work.
Digby Place has a transportation service that safely transports seniors to local libraries and other destinations outside of the community. The community's concierge service also helps residents find library events and purchase tickets if necessary.
Internet-savvy seniors may join book clubs online. Facebook groups are full of reading enthusiasts and book clubs. There are plenty of voracious readers on sites like Goodreads.
On Goodreads, seniors:
These sites may also encourage seniors to adopt iPads and e-readers. Such devices are great for residents with vision problems who need to adjust the font to a larger size.
Museum trips are an excellent way to bridge education and senior care. Ask a Digby Place activities program manager about upcoming field trips to museums and historical sites. Local museums regularly schedule talks for the public; these events immerse seniors in art and local history.
Residents and their families may also visit local museums at any time. It's an excellent way to spend quality time together and facilitate educational enrichment.
Popular museums in Lafayette, IN include:
There are even more historical sites to enjoy in Lafayette, IN. These sites have tour guides who lead tours around the property while educating guests on the landmark's history.
Some of the most-visited historical sites include:
Of course, there's always the Columbian Park Zoo. This is an excellent attraction for senior residents and visiting families.
Residents who want to see more educational opportunities in their community are encouraged to talk about their ideas with program directors.
A proactive approach can lead to more assisted living services:
Prospective residents who are curious about educational programs are encouraged to book a tour. Tours are the perfect time to ask questions during the decision-making process.
Lafayette, Indiana also has continuing education opportunities for students of all ages, including seniors.
Purdue University is the most recognizable university in the area. It's also world-renowned for its programs.
A Purdue Global program is also available to provide exclusively online courses; this is an excellent option for assisted living residents who want to take university-level courses or even pursue a degree.
University of the People is a 100% tuition-free online university for all students.
Seniors are also encouraged to check out these free courses:
Senior residents can also discover free courses in computer basics like word processing and PowerPoint presentations; these skills are valuable for seniors pursuing an online education.
Active senior residents in assisted living communities are encouraged to seek out volunteering opportunities. For example, the museums and historical sites mentioned earlier may need volunteers. These opportunities are ideal for local history buffs and art enthusiasts.
Mentoring also allows seniors to learn through new eyes. Seniors who mentor youth are encouraged to find creative ways to communicate complex topics to younger generations. Mentoring is ideal for retirees with large knowledge bases to share with aspiring professionals in their industry.
AARP has a wealth of resources for senior communities in IN.
For example, active seniors interested in work opportunities may be interested in AARP's "Skills Builder for Work" program.
Residents can also find plenty of virtual classes from AARP's Senior Planet OATS program. These courses are ideal for individual enrichment.
Online classes include:
Courses are structured as events with new offers provided each week. Classes are live and offered through apps like Zoom; this structure gives senior students a chance to get to know one another.
Make the most of an assisted living community in Lafayette, IN by engaging in educational programs. Consider everything from museum trips to virtual courses from AARP.
Digby Place wants to help seniors thrive in these golden years. Our community is ideal for residents who want an assisted living experience that promotes independence.
Education is a cornerstone of that independence. Book a consultation to learn how we can facilitate these goals.