Sarasota offers a range of lifelong learning opportunities, including the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College and The Studios @ SAM at Sarasota Art Museum. These programs provide a variety of classes and studio opportunities for creative learning, with no grading involved. Research shows that lifelong learning and creative activities are crucial to combat ageism, a pervasive form of prejudice that harms everyone and disproportionately affects women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. By engaging in lifelong learning and creative activities, individuals can improve their mental and physical health and well-being, combat isolation and loneliness, and increase their openness to new experiences and people. As the population ages, it is essential to prepare for aging by staying engaged in creative and educational activities that are both stimulating and enjoyable.
Creative Ageing and Lifelong Learning
According to the United States Census Bureau’s updated report in 2018, the population of people aged 65 years and older is expected to surpass those under the age of 18 by 2034, with an estimated 77.0 million elderly residents in the U.S. The baby boomer generation’s aging is one of the primary reasons for this shift, which means one in every five U.S. residents will be of retirement age.
Living longer and healthier is good news, and scientific evidence supports staying engaged in creative and educational activities to combat the effects of aging. Advancements in healthcare, technology, medicine, and nutrition are some of the factors responsible for this new age shift.
As we age, it is essential to engage in activities that stimulate our minds and foster a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and joy. This is particularly important since activities and pastimes that bring pleasure can combat negative factors such as isolation and loneliness, which can be difficult to avoid in the absence of social interaction.
Although the pandemic made it challenging to pursue enjoyable activities, it is now crucial to explore those activities that interest us. By doing so, not only do we engage our minds and creativity, but we also combat the negative effects of isolation and loneliness.
Therefore, it is essential to prepare for our aging and take advantage of opportunities for lifelong learning and creative activities that are both stimulating and enjoyable. This is particularly important given the population shifts and aging trends that are likely to occur in the coming years.
Lifelong Learning Opportunities in Sarasota
Sarasota is home to numerous lifelong learning opportunities, with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College being one of the most comprehensive offerings for those aged 50 or above. OLLI offers almost 200 classes, lectures, and group discussions that cover a diverse range of topics, including art and culture, food and travel, science and technology, history, languages, and film and book reviews. These learning opportunities are designed for the joy of learning and spending quality time among peers, with no grading involved. The OLLI program is located at the Sarasota Art Museum on the Ringling College Museum Campus.
The Studios @ SAM at Sarasota Art Museum offers studio classes in painting, drawing, ceramics, and jewelry making. Similar studio classes are also available at the Englewood Art Center located in the south.
A recent report by the American Alliance of Museums highlights the detrimental social, psychological, and economic consequences of ageism, a pervasive form of prejudice. Ageism disproportionately affects women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, leading to loneliness, which has a negative impact on physical and mental health, as well as increased stress on families and caregivers. However, the report also states that as we age, we attain a new level of wisdom, insight, and creativity that was not possible during our younger years.
Dr. Alexandre Kalache, an epidemiologist and aging specialist, stated that we are privileged to live in a time of revolution in longevity and that it would be a tragedy for humanity if we mess it up. Taking advantage of lifelong learning opportunities and engaging in creative activities can contribute to a happier and wiser life, allowing us to become more open to new experiences and people.
Therefore, it is important to explore the lifelong learning opportunities available in Sarasota, including OLLI at Ringling College and The Studios @ SAM, and finally pursue those creative interests that have been put off for too long. By doing so, we can improve our health, well-being, and overall quality of life.
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