From Poetry, Novels and Films to Morality, History and the State of Democracy, Older Adults Have Plenty to Ponder

Register Now for the Spring Semester for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Rutgers University

NEW BRUNSWICK (Feb. 23, 2023) — Adults age 50 and over can delve into topics ranging from the fate of Democracy in America, the suffrage movement, and banned protest novels, to impressionism and French cheese, the Twilight Zone, and Frank Sinatra. Registration is underway for the spring semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Rutgers University (OLLI-RU), offering 75 courses online and in-person at Rutgers in New Brunswick and Brookdale Community College in Freehold.

“We’re excited about all the ways we are diversifying our offerings,” said OLLI-RU director Megan Novak said. The shift to online courses—classes had been in person only before the pandemic—has expanded access to older adults across the country and internationally, and attracted instructors from abroad, Novak said. About 70 percent of courses are online.

Maureen Brady has used her passion for Irish history to create nearly 20 courses since she began teaching for the institute in 2020. “I really enjoy teaching older adults, because of their curiosity and interest. They bring their whole life experiences to it,” said Brady, who earned a master’s degree in Irish and Irish-American studies at New York University after retiring from a corporate career.

“Many students are avid lifelong learners, and share information they’ve learned from other courses in classroom conversation,” noted Brady, who is teaching two courses this spring, one online and one in Freehold.

Instructors, like students, often return year after year, with many developing a following, Novak said. “We’re glad too to have a new crop of instructors with every season,” she said.

Among the spring selections are classes on history, cinema, literature, poetry, painting, wellness, and genealogy. “Contemporary Moral Issues” includes an examination of the morality of abortion. “Abolition, Feminism, Race, Gender and Suffrage in the U.S., 1833–1965” is focused on the role of women in the fight against slavery.

Courses begin on different dates, with some starting in April. Class descriptions are listed in the spring catalog. Before registering, participants can sign up for an annual OLLI-RU membership for $50, which provides enrollment discounts, priority registration, and longer withdrawal periods to receive a full refund. Members are also eligible for special events and programming. Contact olliru.rutgers.edu or 848-932-6554 for more information.
 

OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI-RU) supports the lifelong learning mission of Rutgers Division of Continuing Studies by providing noncredit education, learning enrichment, and social engagement for individuals age 50 and over.