While adjusting to retirement, many become concerned that they are not exercising their brains. If we are not taking in new information, perhaps we are ‘dummying down.’ Accustomed to using our brains throughout our working years, we feel alive when taking in new information. There are, however, many options available which allow us to exercise the brain and to learn new information during retirement.
Here is a sampling of educational opportunities for adults in the Toledo area. To love your brain, enroll in one of these classes.
- Learn a language. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church offers Greek language classes (holytrinitytoledo.com). Alliance Française de Toledo offers French classes (aftoledo.com). Spanish classes and instruction in other languages are available online.
- Physical activity helps our brain. Learn to dance at Paulette’s Studio of Dance (419-654-3262). Or join Silver Sneakers, a program available to those receiving Social Security Retirement Benefits, and use the membership to go to a number of area gyms where you can attend land and water classes.
- Be artsy or crafty. Use your brain to create. The Toledo Museum of Art offers art classes (toledomuseum.org). Crafts, pottery, and much more can be learned at the 577 Foundation in Perrysburg (577foundation.org). Hands-on studio and pottery classes are offered at Toledo Botanical Garden (metroparkstoledo.com), which also offers a winter learning series about our area’s natural and cultural history.
- Lourdes University’s Lifelong Learning program offers classes, trips and lectures. Their online list of offerings is long and detailed. lourdes.edu.
- Program 60 at the University of Toledo allows the 60+ crowd to audit university classes for a small fee. This program has some requirements but, overall, is a true gem.
- Owens Community College has a host of courses where you can learn photography, culinary arts, beekeeping and more. (www.owens.edu)
- Heartsaver is an instructional program (CPR, First Aid) provided by ProMedica: (419-291-3053) and UTMC (utoledo.edu/lifesupport). Mercyhealth.com is a source of healthy living classes. If you haven’t already learned these things, maybe it is time?
With a plethora of classes and lectures available across Northwest Ohio, consider topics that you may want to explore and find a program with a Google search. You will be pleasantly surprised.
