Many retirees in Arizona discover that they now have the time and opportunity to go where their curiosity and intellect take them. Many return to the universities and community colleges throughout the state and take life-enrichment classes in topics they've always wanted to learn more about.
SENIOR EDUCATION
ELDERHOSTEL provides programs to teach seniors about the southwest and much more. Take a class on Jewish cowboys of the west. Share your experiences of World War II with other students. Learn about the plants and animals of Arizona. Whatever you are curious about, Elderhostel programs probably have a class on it. You can find Elderhostel programs at more than 100 locations in Ariozna, from the Hopi mesas and Grand Canyon in the north to Nogales on the Mexican border. Curiosity and intellect thrive with the encouragement of these programs, famous for their modestly priced educational adventures around the world. New programs begin every month. Contact the national Elderhostel headquarters in Boston at 877-426-8056 or log onto http://www.elderhostel.org for information.
Arizona's talented and wise retirees have become some of the state's best resources. Peer-teaching groups, affiliated with Elderhostel's network of Institutes for Learning in Retirement (ILRs), are going stron at community college campuses in Prescott, Mesa, Surprise, and at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Arizona's universities and community colleges offer diverse and innovative lifelong learning programs. Contact your local educational institution or log onto http://www.elderhostel.org/ for more information.
The University of Arizona Extended University's SAGE Society (Seniors' Achievement and Growth through Education) provides continuing learning-in-retirement experiences for Tucson's senior citizens and winter visitors. Programs include discussion groups, study sessions, brown-bag lectures with guest speakers, field trips, and social events. Membership in the society also includes the opportunity to moderate classes on favorite topics and disounts on many Extended University courses. The society has a waiting list of applicants. Contact SAGE Program, U of A Extended University, 888 N. Euclid Ave. 85721. Phone 626-9039 http://www.eu.arizona.edu/seniors/sage.html e-mail perierc@email.arizona.edu. The office is open 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Pima Community College's Senior Education Program also offers noncredit courses especially suited to the needs and interests of older adults. Classes are offered at various locations throughout Tucson and Green Valley. Phone 206-6579 (Tucson) or 625-5063 (Green Valley).
Another popular program is Oasis: Enriching the Lives of Mature Adults, a national nonprofit organization offering classes in volunteer programs, education, culture, wellness, humanities, and the arts. OASIS creates opportunities for active retirees to continue their personal growth while providing meaningful service to the community. Phone 795-3950 ext. 2113 ir http://www.oasisnet.org .
In the Tucson area, an interesting concept in retiree life is taking place at Academy Village. Here, retired university professors and academics can find common ground, living near other professionals with similar interests, and continuing their studies and research work. Attracting residents from all over the US, Academy Village focuses on the lifelong learning and wellness of its residents, providing access to the U of A, on-site health services, and recreational facilities. Phone 647-0900.
Additionally, senior healthcare providers and local senior centers serve up a varied menu of special-interest classes and events.
SENIOR OLYMPICS The Senior Olympic Festival is held each February; Seniors 50 years and older compete in events ranging from skeet shooting to cribbage, track events to bocce, and basketball to aerobics. Events are held all over Tucson. Phone 791-5915, ext. 105 for additional information. http://www.tucsonseniorgames.org/
ARIZONA SENIOR-SPECIFIC VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteering provides opportunities for you to put your skills and life experiences to work in ways that help your new community. Not only can you help other people, you can help yourself. Studies show that active volunteer enjoy healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives.
Adults of all ages can also volunteer in a number of different areas by contacting the Volunteer Center of Tucson at 881-3300.
TUCSON SENIOR CLUBS
These community recreation centers offer a variety of recreational activities for people over the age of 50.
