If you are having a hard time finding intellectual or social stimulation in retirement, search no more! There are over a hundred Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes throughout the United States offering classes, excursions, and social events for people like you who are seeking more from their retirement years.

The Bernard Osher Foundation of San Francisco has partnered with 118 colleges and universities in every state across the U.S. to provide educational programs to older adults who want to make productive use of their free time. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLIs) offer in-depth classes, exciting special events, and engaging social opportunities designed specifically to stimulate the hearts and minds of older Americans. There are no credits, no homework, no exams – just learning for the sheer joy of learning.

What’s more, OLLIs are member-run organizations offering a plethora of volunteer and leadership opportunities for eager adults. Tap into your leadership skills and volunteer to serve as President, Board Member or Committee Chair. Draw on your professional experiences or hobbies and volunteer to teach a class in your area of expertise.

George Mason University in Northern Virginia hosts one of the longest-running OLLIs in the region. OLLI-Mason, as it is known, maintains a tight synergy with the University, aligning with Mason’s Strategic Plan to extend its “learning mission to seniors who are interested in maintaining an active intellectual life.” As part of this vision, Mason plans to strengthen these efforts over the next decade to help make Northern Virginia “one of the best places in America to live.”

OLLI-Mason offers each year over 350 courses and special events in three convenient locations in Fairfax, Reston and Loudoun. Classes run from four to eight weeks over four terms – spring summer, fall and winter. Along with classes, members can attend special events - field trips, plays, musical performances, hikes – or join 21 clubs that meet regularly throughout the year, such as history, photography, gardening, crafts, and literature. And OLLI hosts socials, parties and fundraisers to help you keep up with friends. As a bonus, OLLI members have access to University performances, activities and resources either free of charge or at a discount because of the affiliation.

OLLI-Mason charges one annual fee of $375, which includes unlimited enrollment in classes and activities. If you are not ready to take the full plunge, OLLI offers a one-time only introductory membership of $150, which includes the same unlimited enrollment in courses and special events for only one term. And if you just want to “test the waters,” a prospective member may contact the OLLI office for approval to attend two free class sessions.

Classes are taught by Mason professors, graduate students, outside professionals, and OLLI members who are experts in their fields. AARP, in fact, has taught some of OLLI-Mason’s most popular classes on defensive driving and health care. AARP is working with OLLI-Mason to expand its offerings and supply experts to lead workshops in areas such as aging in place, the new health care law benefits, Social Security and Medicare.

Glenn Kamber, OLLI-Mason President, welcomes increased opportunities to learn from AARP instructors. "What better place than OLLI -- a sustaining community of engaged people who help each other stay connected to ideas and to each other -- to gain AARP help that will enrich members’ lives in retirement."

If you would like more information or are interested in joining OLLI-Mason, visit their website or contact the OLLI office at 703-503-3384 or olli@gmu.edu.

OLLIs in Virginia

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University
4210 Roberts Road,Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone 703-503-3384  http://www.olli.gmu.edu

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Hampton University
College of Education and Continuing Studies
P.O. Box 6162,Hampton, VA 23668
Phone 757 728-4152  http://universitycollege.hamptonu.edu/olli

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Richmond
School of Professional and Continuing Studies
28 Westhampton Way,University of Richmond, VA 23173
Phone 804-287-6344  http://spcs.richmond.edu/osher

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Virginia
1160 Pepsi Place Suite 114,Charlottesville, VA 22901
Phone 434-923-3600 http://www.olliuva.org