National Active Aging Week set Oct. 3-9

Most residents of the First State are familiar with jingles, jokes and even TV programs about “Dela-where.”

But for many retirees and newcomers to our state, the question becomes “Dela-what”: Now that I’m living here, what do I do?

I invite the community to celebrate National Active Aging Week, Oct. 3-9, by learning more about the University of Delaware’s lifelong learning program for age 50-plus.

It’s estimated that nearly 40% of Delaware’s population today is age 50 or older, with one of the largest 50-plus concentrations in the nation and growing as more retirees choose to enjoy the First State’s tax advantages. Some of the fastest growth is occurring in eastern Sussex County, with easy access to beautiful beaches, restaurants, shops and entertainment options.

Fortunately for seniors, there also are more opportunities than ever to remain active, from nonprofit organizations such as CHEER and community centers to Village Volunteers and services provided by the state.

UD’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program offers many ways to remain mentally and physically active while also connecting with a vibrant community of adult learners. OLLI offers a wide range of courses in subjects like current events, history, literature, languages, science, painting, ceramics, film appreciation, band and music ensembles, folk dance, yoga, tai chi and more.

It’s learning for the fun of it, and for the sake of expanding one’s knowledge horizon, whether to learn more about a topic of interest or to explore something entirely new – all with no tests or homework.

In addition to classes, OLLI offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities such as book club, bird watching club, craft circle and even a support group for care partners of people living with dementia symptoms. OLLI also organizes travel and special learning opportunities, including a multi-day UD by the Sea program in Rehoboth Beach each May.

OLLI is a great way to make friends and remain physically vigorous, mentally alert and socially engaged.

More than 2,000 Delawareans and our nearby neighbors currently join us for classes in Lewes, Dover, Ocean View and Wilmington, as well as online. In fact, with the growth of its online sessions during the pandemic, UD’s program is now the largest online OLLI in the nation.

At UD and across the country, OLLI is affiliated with and receives partial support from the Bernard Osher Foundation, a philanthropic organization focused on higher education, lifelong learning and the arts. Participants pay a modest fee that covers an unlimited number of courses each semester, as well as some extracurriculars. Financial assistance is available for those with a need.

A five-week fall session will begin Tuesday, Oct. 18, with subjects like folk dancing, gardening, mah jong, media and elections, nonfiction writing, genealogy research, woodworking, stroke prevention, German, theater appreciation and more.

We hope you’ll consider joining us! Learn more at www.olli.udel.edu, or visit one of our locations for a tour and chat with our members and staff.