OLLI to Offer Class on Aging With Wit and Wisdom
Tavano, standing, discusses aging with members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
The U of A's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute will host Judith Tavano, a longtime U of A employee and educator, to teach a course called "Aging with Wit and Wisdom." OLLI is based in the College of Education and Health Professions and provides opportunities for adults to share intellectual interests, meet new people and explore cultural topics with peers.
Several years ago, Sandra Sawyer, assistant director of OLLI, asked Tavano to create the course because of Tavano's depth of knowledge in generational studies. Tavano accepted the challenge, and semester after semester for the past 10 years or so, Tavano has presented the course, updated each semester to reflect timely issues facing older adults. Tavano has related politics, world events, public policy and philosophy to aging. Tavano's favorite philosopher is Vicktor Frankel, and she finds many of his writings germane to the purpose of the course.
This semester's course, Tavano has shared, will introduce the topic of elder loneliness and isolation. Participants will discuss what it is, why it is an epidemic and what we all can do to mitigate the consequences of loneliness and isolation as we age. Other topics include relevance, aging realities, alternatives approaches and what makes us happy. Tavano explains that she is never quite sure if she imparts wit or wisdom in her classes, but no matter, she believes it is a privilege to share what she has learned about aging with her peers.
Tavano will present Aging with Wit and Wisdom for OLLI this spring at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at the OLLI office, 481 S. Shiloh Dr., Fayetteville.
The full slate of classes and upcoming events is available in the online 2024 Spring Course Catalog. Classes are offered both in person and online. OLLI currently has close to 500 members and is offering a spring semester membership discounted to $35. There are no age restrictions or prerequisites to take OLLI classes, and members receive discounted course fees and access to exclusive members-only programs.
Go to olli.uark.edu for details.
Topics
Contacts
Josh Raney, director
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
479-575-3541,
jraney@uark.edu
Shannon Magsam, director of communications
College of Education and Health Professions
479-575-3138,
magsam@uark.edu
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