What's next? How about learning to overcome the challenges of aging? This is the subject of one of the many classes offered at Lifetime Learning Center (LLC), where "adults never stop learning" is the motto.
LLC offers a variety of courses, from literature, art, music, to writing your own life story - all in a socially interactive atmosphere.
The students are there because they want to learn, not because they need to fulfill school requirements, and the teachers are volunteers, often retired university professors, who get satisfaction out of teaching, explained Roger Neale, the program's executive director, who has been with the center since 2001.
"Our organization addresses a growing need that's not really met either by senior centers or community colleges; it has the best of both. In particular, it provides both social and mental interactions, (which) scientific research has shown to delay Alzheimer's," Neale said.
More accessible
LLC is a nonprofit organization at the Sand Point Education Center, near Magnuson Park. It was founded in 1976 at Sacred Heart Church, near Seattle Center.
Over the years, the rent increased at the church and the available parking spaces decreased. There were also problems with access for seniors with disabilities.
So in 2000, LLC moved to its new location, with better facilities and abundant parking, Neale said.
"It was good when they moved over to the new location, because stairs were hard to climb at Sacred Heart," said Elenor Schoen, 88, who has been a student at the center for 14 years. Schoen used to write part time for the Leavenworth (Kansas) Times and has freelanced for 20 different magazines.
She first joined LLC with her husband when they moved here from Tacoma. "We went almost four days a week, and it was a way to meet new people directly," Schoen said.
Since then, her husband has passed away, but she continues to drive there and attend classes at least once a week.
Unlike Schoen, many people face transportation problems because they do not drive. Retirement homes often ask Neale to provide transportation for their residents. But due to insufficient funds, the center cannot provide vans and drivers, Neale said.
"They haven't recognized the need for the aging population being worthy of assistance," Neale said, noting that it is difficult to get grants for the organization.
Something for everyoneCurrently, LLC has only two paid employees, Neale and program manager Edla Deppman. The rest of the organization's work is done by volunteers, many of whom are also students.
LLC holds several annual fund raisers, and oftentimes the adult children of senior parents contribute to the center, helping to provide a place for their parents to learn, Neale said.
The $15 registration fee and $25 class fee also go toward operating expenses.
Maid Adams, who has a master's degree in educational psychology and taught for more than 20 years at local community colleges, has taught at the center for 10 years. She teaches a variety of courses, and "What's Next?" is the class she will teach this spring. It will focus on planning for one's future physical, social and financial well-being through exploring long-term care insurance, living alternatives and practicing assertive-ness skills.
"It's a very practical and supportive class. Older people face certain issues that not everybody understands," Adams said. "We have the opportunity to come together and discuss these issues."
She also emphasized that people interested should come to the open house on Thursday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, to meet instructors and see for themselves what the center has to offer.
"Lifetime Learning Center has something for you, whatever your interests are, and you'll find a welcoming atmosphere here," Adams explained.
Northgate resident Margaret Powers agreed. She has been a student for almost 15 years and hopes that more people hear about it.
"It's not like most learning environments. You are relieved of tension, because you are not there for grades; rather, you are there to learn about a course you signed up for," Powers, 79, said.
And the enriching part, she added, is that "these students, unlike any other student, have life experiences that give them confidence to speak up and make remarks about the subject covered."[[In-content Ad]]
