Conclusions

Among a class of peers, seniors find a sense of comfort and comradery that is quite essential to the process of learning in retirement. Whether studying British literature or embracing new technology such as computers and the internet, it is important for seniors to have a nurturing and supportive environment. The motivations may vary from case to case but one thing is consistent -- continuing education is the key to success for maintaining a strong and lively mind!

Expert: Nancy Dubner

After retiring in 1996, Nancy Dubner founded the Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement at SUNYIT in Utica/ Rome, NY. Prior to this accomplishment, Nancy worked in local and state government. Throughout her career she has served the City of Rochester, New York State Lieutenant Governor's Office, New York State Department of Transportation, and the New York Power Authority. Nancy also founded and served as Co Chair of a successful effort to save Eleanor Roosevelt's home in Hyde Park, Valkill, New York, which is now a national historic park. She has also chaired a legislative committee that got the legislation passed through Congress to create the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, NY. Nancy has a Master's degree in Political Science and has traveled to all 50 states and 35 countries to date. She currently resides in Clinton, NY.

Here are some of the benefits of retired learning programs:

• Keep mind as well as body active and alert in older years
• Learn about subjects which are of interest that you never had time for in your busy working and family life
• Learn without grades, tests, papers, or stress
• Make new friends and join in educational learning trips and other activities
• Take on new challenges that can be really rewarding

Expert: Kathy Gersowitz

Kathleen Gersowitz is the director of the OASIS program at the University at Albany. OASIS (Older Adult Services and Information Systems) is dedicated to providing challenging educational programs in the arts and humanities, health and wellness, and volunteer service to mature adults in the Capital District. OASIS is a national organization based in St. Louis, Missouri with 26 chapters nationwide serving over 350,000 members. Albany OASIS is also committed to bringing the vast resources and expertise of the University to its members. OASIS was launched two years ago under Kathy's direction. There are currently over 1,000 OASIS members in the Capital District. In Albany, OASIS is also partnering with Filene's Department Store.

Kathy began her career at the University at Albany fifteen years ago. She serves as director of the Business School's Institute for the Advancement of Health Care Management. Through this work Kathy became interested in the healthcare challenges facing seniors today and has developed a variety of programs and led student projects addressing some of these challenges.

Kathy received her bachelor's degree from Boston College and holds an MBA from the University at Albany. She is an officer of the Capital District Senior Issues Forum, an interfaith and community initiative of individuals and organizations brought together to identify issues and advocate for older seniors living in a variety of housing options. She is also a charter member of the American Marketing Association of the Capital District. Kathy is married with two children and lives in Slingerlands, NY.

Some helpful suggestions for seniors interested in pursuing educational programs:

• Take the time to explore the many options available to you. There are a number of wonderful educational opportunities available to seniors today. Whether they are community based, faith-based, or university-based, the important thing to remember is that there are many choices available to you. Take some time to consider what you would like to get out of the experience. Are you looking for something that will challenge you academically? Are you interested in the social aspect of attending classes? Are you looking to give back to the community? These are all good reasons for signing up for a class. Programs such as OASIS try to balance these different needs and offer a variety of programs that appeal to different people for different reasons.
• Be open to new ideas. Some of the most exciting classroom experiences come from exploring a new topics or getting involved in an innovative program. Keep an open mind and try something new. Take a risk!
• Consider what side of the podium you'd like to be on. Seniors have a lifetime of experience to offer, but often don't know how they might transfer this knowledge to others. Whether you've amassed your experience on the job or would like to share your enthusiasm for a lifetime hobby, taking a turn at the podium can often be a very rewarding experience.