OLLI Offers Courses on Healthy Aging

The U of A's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is offering a series of courses this semester focused on promoting healthy aging for older adults. The lineup features a variety of programs designed to support physical, mental and emotional well-being. 

The series kicks off with Yoga for Healthy Aging, a seven-session course running every Thursday from September through October from 9-10:15 a.m. Participants can join at any time. Certified yoga instructor Vicky Willis, who emphasizes the importance of systematic stretching and muscle conditioning to protect aging joints, will lead all sessions. 

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 2-3:30 p.m., OLLI will welcome Monica E. Gomez, a writer, songwriter, teacher, broadcast journalist and voice talent, for a six-week online course titled Wellness from Within. This course explores holistic health through interactive discussions, brief meditations, creative writing, reading aloud and plenty of humor. Gomez's unique approach offers insights into achieving mental, spiritual and physical well-being. 

For those interested in partner-based physical activity, Thai Partner Stretching will be offered on two Wednesdays and a Friday, Oct. 23-30, from 1-3 p.m. Diana Michelle, a licensed massage therapist, and Paul Summerlin will lead the course. This technique uses long, deep stretches to nourish joints and is ideal for participants who enjoy gentle exercises like yoga. 

Men's health will be addressed in Men's Urologic Health - Mind Your Prostate, held on Friday, Nov. 8, from 1-3 p.m. Dr. C. Mark Jackson, a urology specialist from Washington Regional Medical Center, will guide participants through strategies for maintaining prostate health as part of the aging process. 

Finally, Diana Michelle will return to present The Lymphatic System for Better Health on Wednesdays and Fridays from November 13-22, 2-4 p.m. This course will cover lifestyle tips and practices to help sustain lymphatic health, vital for overall well-being. 

Judith Tavano, an OLLI member and volunteer, expressed her excitement for the upcoming courses. "OLLI's commitment to offering diverse and engaging programs makes it easier for older adults to focus on healthy aging. The variety of courses, from physical wellness to mental health, provides something valuable for everyone," Tavano said. 

OLLI was established in 2007 at the U of A and is an outreach and service unit in the College of Education and Health Professions. It is one of 120+ Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLIs) across the United States offering learning and social opportunities designed for adults ages 50+. For more information and to register for classes, visit olli.uark.edu.