Last year, I wrote a post called Learning in Retirement — because “learning” was my “theme” for 2023. At the time, I was just starting to explore what it means to stay mentally active and curious as we age. I was dabbling in Spanish, taking online classes, and testing out all kinds of apps and ideas to keep my brain sharp.
That curiosity hasn’t gone away. I’ve become obsessed with neuroplasticity and how beneficial learning is for brain health! I’m so excited to find classes and people who inspire me with the way they’re embracing this chapter of life.
One of those people is Ken Cross, who joined me on the latest episode of the Carpe Diem Connections podcast to talk about transitions, healthy aging, and lifelong learning. Ken is a longtime educator and active participant in one of the many lifelong learning institutes (LLIs) across the U.S. — and he was kind enough to share a bunch of resources and insights for anyone who’s wondering how to keep learning and growing after retirement.
🎧 You can listen to our full conversation here:
👉 Season 6, Episode 1 – Transitions and Healthy Aging with Ken Cross
So What Is a Lifelong Learning Institute?
I’ll admit — I hadn’t heard of LLIs until recently. But they’ve been around for decades! In fact, the first program started at The New School in New York back in the 1960s. Today, there are nearly 400 lifelong learning programs around the country — many of them affiliated with universities and colleges.
These aren’t for-credit classes and there are no grades (thankfully!). Instead, they’re designed for people like us — folks who are in or near retirement but still want to engage their brains, meet others, and explore new ideas.
Ken pointed me to this great article about the history of lifelong learning at The New School, if you’re interested in the backstory.
Spotlight on OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes)
About 120 of these programs are part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) network — founded with support from the Bernard Osher Foundation. Each OLLI is different, but they share a mission: to offer learning opportunities to people aged 50+ who want to stay mentally and socially active.
The programs range from arts and literature to science, technology, and current events — with no pressure or prerequisites.
🟣 Learn more about OLLI here: https://www.osherfoundation.org/olli.html
Want to see what’s available near you? The OLLI National Resource Center at Northwestern University puts out a comprehensive Lifelong Learning Institute Directory — and the August 2024 version is hot off the presses.
Lifelong Learning in Colorado
I had to peek at what’s available here in Colorado, of course! According to the directory, we have eight programs, located in:
- Colorado Springs (2)
- Denver (1)
- Fort Collins (2)
- Grand Junction (1)
- Grand Valley (1)
- Longmont (1)
I’m especially interested in checking out the options in Denver and Longmont — and maybe roping a friend into going with me. (If you’re local and curious, hit me up!)
Why It Matters
When I talked to Ken, what stood out most was how personal lifelong learning can be. It’s not just about taking classes — it’s about staying open to life. Staying curious. Making new connections. Exploring old passions or completely new topics just because… well, why not?
I’ve always loved learning — but I used to associate it with school, degrees, or work. Now I’m seeing it differently. Learning in retirement isn’t about career growth or checking boxes. It’s about enjoying the process, keeping your mind flexible, and continuing to grow into the person you’re still becoming.
As Ken said, “My life is an open book at this stage.” That openness — to share, to reflect, to learn — is what makes this chapter so powerful.
Let’s Keep Learning
If you’ve been curious about lifelong learning (or just want to know what kinds of programs are out there), definitely give this week’s podcast a listen. Ken brings so much heart and wisdom to the conversation — and the resources he shared are too good to keep to myself.
🎧 Listen to the episode here
📘 Download the 2024 LLI Directory (PDF)
If you’ve taken part in a lifelong learning program, I’d love to hear your experience. And if you’re just starting to think about it, let’s explore together. Retirement is far from the end of the learning journey — in fact, for me, it’s the most fun part yet.
