“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”

― Henry Ford

Kendal-Crosslands Communities residents at the University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.Kendal-Crosslands Communities makes lifelong learning easy for residents. As a participant of the University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), residents have easy access to a wide range of continuing education classes, programs and courses. Residents can take a quick bus ride from Kendal-Crosslands to the Wilmington campus to attend OLLI’s programs and classes.

The Value of Lifelong Learning

The benefits of lifelong learning are truly endless; Research shows that lifelong learning classes offer more than just an educational opportunity. 69 percent of personal learners say lifelong learning opened them up to new perspectives. 64 percent reported making new friends, and 58 percent said they felt more connected to their community.

University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Delaware’s institute is defined as an “academic cooperative” that “provides opportunities for intellectual development, cultural stimulation, personal growth, and social interaction in an academic cooperative run by its members who volunteer their time and talents,” according to their website. “The program is centered on classes developed and led by fellow members.”

“Lifelong learning is so important because it keeps me active in a different way,” says Joanne Sencindiver, a Kendal-Crosslands resident. “It’s interesting to learn new things, be off campus, and be with people who have similar interests.” Joanne attends many of the offered courses on the Delaware University campus, and usually takes up to 4 courses a semester.

Course topics can range from languages and the arts, to humanities, financial planning, math, and literature. “I took a number of finance courses and that has really helped me when I’m talking with my stock broker, and when I’m preparing my taxes and things like that,” adds Joanne. “However, I especially enjoy the history courses. They have all just increased my love of history.”