By Brittany Duggins
The University of Louisville has many students of all ages. The non-traditional student, which is any student age 25 and older, is finding their way to college. Whether it is the first, second or 10th time, for some, the quest for knowledge never ceases.
“It keeps the mind active,” said Jim Duggins, age 77. “U of L’s program is a great opportunity for seniors to pursue new interests and auditing classes is a useful tool which allows this to happen.” Duggins has taken a few classes and said, “It is never too late to expand horizons and further our education.”
Seniors can audit a class, which means they can take classes for no charge and do not have to take the tests. Though, they receive no actual credit for the class when auditing
According to “Back to School,” written by Charles Hirshberg, “The percentage of seniors, age 66-a, has more than doubled between 1990 and 2000, to 20 percent.”
Brad Rigney, senior marketing major, said, “It is great for people to get back into school. Education is ageless and the more you know the better.” Fox News stated, “If going to college is a milestone, going back to college a second time is even better.”
As people begin to live and work longer, retire later and seek a stimulating environment, it is becoming more of a norm to see older people strolling across campus. Returning to college is becoming a popular post-retirement activity.
In a column written for CNN/Money, Gerri Willis gives tips on how to get the most of being an older student. “Learn for less, get diploma-bound, go online, call in the support troops, and study on the road.”
The Internet is also available to enroll in accredited online universities or classes, and talk with other students as well, no matter their age.
Willis also suggests seniors to get involved in “Elderhostel,” a program which offers learning-based travel, lectures and low-cost boarding accommodations. Seniors over the age of 55 can benefit from this service and last year alone they served over 200,000 clients.
It is vital to challenge the brain in order to keep it healthy and properly functioning. Travel, if even only five miles from home, is said to be a beneficial stimulant.
Indiana University began building retiree communities on campus in 1985, in order to allow seniors to be closer. Although U of L does not have one, many universities across the nation are beginning to build them. Fox news stated that Penn State leases 80 acres to its on campus retirement community, for anyone who wishes to maintain close ties to their favorite college.
John W. Hennessey, 78-year-old retired dean from Dartmouth College, said, “At this stage, most of us are interested in learning entirely for learning’s sake.”
While waiting for class to start, take a look around. Students will begin to see more seniors returning to college. As baby boomers are retiring, more may take classes out of enjoyment and their love for knowledge.
