OLLI program – Welcome to the brain health club
OLLI-South classes are located in Douglas County about 22 minutes west of Castle Pines, at the Valley View Christian Church at South Santa Fe and Titan Road. Pictured above are OLLI students on a Geology field trip to Dinosour Ridge.
Article and photos submitted by Ellen Sloan
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It’s probably a good guess that most seniors — or even “middle-agers” — have in recent years become aware of research which suggests that cognitive stimulation may increase the longevity of a healthy brain. They might also be aware that social connectivity often stimulates happiness, which in turn promotes cognitive fitness.
Perhaps with those thoughts in mind, Castle Pines seniors, ages 50 and older, may be pleased to know that they have fun, brain-invigorating options just twenty-two minutes west in the form of “ OLLI-South,” a learning program offered by the University of Denver’s University College, in conjunction with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (“OLLI”).
Interactive, stimulating classes on philosophy, economics, literature, history, visual and performing arts, sciences, politics, religion and current events are offered in a friendly, non-competitive environment.
Topics are ever-changing, determined by student feedback and the passions and expertise of the volunteer facilitators. There are no tests, no grades and no pre-requisites. OLLI-South classrooms aim to promote enlivening student-teacher and student-student interaction, a natural result of the melding of curious and inquisitive minds with the wisdom of years and wide variety of career and life experiences. Even beyond the joy of learning in a friendly, non-competitive environment, students often note that they particularly value the easy opportunity to make a new circle of like-minded friends.
The course catalog and registration form for spring term (March 28th through May 20th) can be found at www.universitycollege.du.edu/olli/ or www.portfolio.du.edu/ollisouth/. For the $100 per term fee, students may take an unlimited number of classes at any of the three OLLI sites, conditioned on space availability. OLLI-South is located at Valley View Christian Church, 11004 Wildfield Lane, Highlands Ranch – just east of South Santa Fe Drive and Titan Road; OLLI-Central is in Cherry Creek, and OLLI-West is located in Golden.
Classes are generally two hours per week during eight weeks, unless otherwise noted. In addition, students are eligible for a number of other University of Denver-sponsored special events free or at a reduced fee. For additional information, contact Jenny Fortenberry at 720-339-1379 or e-mail.
