NEW PALTZ – Woodland Pond retirement community has partnered with the State University of New York’s Lifetime Learning Institute so its residents can participate in classes with fellow local retirees or volunteer to teach classes themselves.
“Residents and others age 55 and over can pursue an existing interest, or begin exploring a new one,” Woodland Pond Executive Director Michelle Gramoglia said in a news release. “Courses are open to the public and are based in a SUNY New Paltz classroom in a downtown location, or, most conveniently, held right at the community. The courses are taught by experienced, quality instructors who volunteer their time for the program.”
Woodland Pond residents have enjoyed participating in classes and several have taught classes as well. In the spring semester, Dr. Paul R. Lurie led a class titled “A Cardiologist Explains Things” to educate seniors on the structure and function of the different parts of their bodies and how they function. Lurie was a professor of pediatric cardiology at Indiana University, the University of Southern California and Albany Medical College.
“It felt rewarding to educate people about their bodies, as I enjoy explaining things simply to both patients and people of all ages,” Lurie said in a news release. “This fall, I will be enrolling in classes and experiencing the program from a different side. I am considering teaching another class during a future semester.”
“The whole principle of the Lifetime Learning Institute is to expand our minds,” Lurie said. “For some people, continued learning is necessary, like eating and sleeping, we have to do it, we feel compelled to do it, and it is a part of everyday living. Learning keeps people engaged and interested in life.”
Fellow Woodland Pond resident and professor emeritus of LaGuardia Community College, Douglas McBride, led the “Great Decisions” class, which covered America’s largest discussion on world affairs. Practicing therapist and Woodland Pond resident Rob Greene also led a class titled “What Jung Has to Teach Us About Ourselves” showing how Jungian psychology can help deepen self-understanding.
Classes are available in the fall and spring, and participants must be members of the Lifetime Learning Institute Program to register. Annual membership is $115 per person. Each semester offers a variety of courses, such as “Claytainers, Murder & Mayhem: Writing a Mystery Novel,” “Financial Planning for Retirees,” “Mexico, the U.S. and Manifest Destiny” and “Yoga Level One.”
“We are thrilled that our residents are taking and teaching these classes,” Gramoglia said in a news release. “Many studies have shown that staying engaged and learning new things increases quality of life, keeps the brain sharp and helps prevent the onset of dementia. We are thankful that programs like the Lifetime Learning Institute exist to provide our residents with educational opportunities.”
Source: poughkeepsiejournal.com
