“Learn more, age less, join OLLI,” is the motto for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State Long Beach, a program committed to enriching and elongating lives through education for people over 55.
Registration for OLLI’s spring session starts March 5 and is conducted in person at the OLLI classroom in the Human Services and Design Building. General registration will be accepted in person or by mail until the class sessions start on April 11.
Space is limited, and some classes fill up very quickly, OLLI Executive Director Barbara White said. She recommended applicants register on campus Saturday.
“Every time we offer a Shakespeare class it fills up immediately,” White said. “This Spring, OLLI will offer ‘Fear Not, I Speak Shakespeare,’ focusing on the play ‘King Lear.’”
The annual membership fee for OLLI is usually $40, but new students will only have to pay $20 for the spring and summer sessions.
Classes are once a week for eight weeks, except for certain computer classes that are only four weeks long, and cost an additional $20. Eight-week computer classes are $35 in addition to the cost of membership, and lecture classes are only $10.
OLLI classes cover a vast variety interests. There are several technology courses for both Mac and PC softwares, including classes that specify in instruction for iPads, iPhones, various social networks and Google.
Activity classes are offered for those interested in trying their hand in archery or bowling. There is also a course titled “Not Your Daughter’s Yoga,” that claims nobody is too old or too stiff for their all-levels welcome yoga class.
OLLI offers appreciation courses in rock music, Chinese arts, there’s even a class about the Coen brothers’ films. Students can hone skills or find new ones with classes that teach ukulele, guitar, or water colors.
Whether it’s learning Spanish, or making homemade cards, OLLI offers a course for just about anyone, so long as they’re at least 55 years old.
Jason,
thank you for a wonderful article in the 49er. It was accurate (except we start at age 50) ,and easily read, If I weren’t the Executive Director of OLLI your article would make me want to join!
I hope students will take this information home to their parents and grandparents so they can come and join us!
It was a pleasure talking with you and I wish you much success in your career.
Dr. Barbara White