SCHOOL’S IN FOR SENIORS AS LOCAL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS GO ONLINE

using meeting apps such as Zoom.

“The online world has become an important component of senior life and we just have to get more people into it,” Ross said. “I talk in my senior transition program about socialization and keeping people connected. I think this … connection that we create for seniors who are isolated is so important.”

Senior education programs, such as Emory University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program, are rapidly adjusting to that new normal.

“We lost a lot of students in the beginning (of the pandemic). We dropped down to about 100 students from 1,000,” said Jeffery Alejandro, OLLI program manager. “We had a lot fewer courses because instructors were reluctant to teach online. But now they’ve been missing teaching and students have been missing taking courses and the socialization.”

Alejandro anticipates offering 15 to 20 online courses this fall, with topics ranging from art and music to the history of Broadway to world travel.

OLLI is also working to maintain a sense of community for students through special interest groups and virtual gatherings.

“We’re doing watch parties where everybody watches performances together or takes a virtual tour of a museum together,” Alejandro said.

Virtual programming has become a permanent part of OLLI’s new normal.

“When we go back to safe spaces, we will still livestream classes from the classrooms because of health concerns and accessibility issues,” he said. “So, there’ll be people in the classroom and people online taking the class together.”

Bill Berger, president of Perimeter Adult Learning & Services (PALS), looks forward to returning to in-person classes someday, but he’s also seen the benefit of online classes, which continue at PALS this fall.

“One of our participants is in dialysis and he’s able to log onto the class, sign in while he’s on dialysis, and be involved in the class,” Berger said.

Now that classes are online, PALS and OLLI are recruiting volunteer instructors from across the country. Berger found one of the instructors for PALS’ upcoming Election 2020 course after reading about the Virginia resident in a Washington Post article on reapportionment.

PALS’ fall lineup of four Zoom classes features a series of lectures on early presidents, an in-depth exploration of Antarctica, a course on avoiding frauds and scams and the program addressing Election 2020 themes.

Berger said the value of these courses is that they, among other things, engage the brain and bring people together, “even if only on a computer screen in this time of social isolation.”

“Knowing about early presidents, you know, is that going to help you get along in life? Maybe not, but it’s something that’s fascinating to a lot of people to hear facts that they never knew about, and even if they never use it in the future, it’s still learning,” Berger said.

“Other information like avoiding scams and frauds is absolutely essential, especially for seniors, to know about,” he said. “And, of course, we have what many call the election of a lifetime coming up in no time at all.”

The fall session of Buckhead- continued on page 6

Did you know?

In Georgia, seniors ages 62+ can attend the state’s public colleges and universities tuitionfree.

Check college admission web pages for information on their tuition waiver procedures.

continued from page 5 based Lifespan Academy will be totally virtual.

“Our thinking during this difficult time is “Stay Safe - Stay Engaged,” said Peggy Palmiter, Lifespan’s executive director.

“We help older adults get online and learn how to use Zoom, and we offer technology classes … on a variety of topics.”

Lifespan’s fall course outline features classes on the U.S. Constitution, mindfulness and visioning, “Healthy Eating Ideas from other Countries,” and a series about “the challenges of aging in these unprecedented times.” Also on the roster are a town hall session on current events and live instruction in Tai Chi and line dancing.

Ross, a frequent instructor for