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Planning for retirement starts early in many people's lives withpension plans, IRAs and other financial planning schemes, but itis not until we near the transition into retirement that seriousthought is given to what form and style this new way of lifewill take. What are my interests? What do I want to do? Where doI want to go? Who will be my new friends and colleagues? Whatwill I do to stay active and alert? And where can I make mycontribution? Answers to these questions do not come easy andoften evolve as one settles into this new living style. Todays retirees are filled with vim and vigor and are eager tobe active, engaged and involved. Many have found new directionwhen opening their sights and minds to lifelong learning and enrichment programs . This renewed energy is being heralded by members of themedical community who have noted that adults who continuallychallenge their intellect and are active thinkers and learnersare less likely to experience certain ailments and conditionsassociated with the aging process. They also report that thosewho are active participants in personal interests remainmentally vital throughout their life. There are many programs designed specifically for adults who areseeking to expand their interests and increase their knowledge.Communities throughout North America offer adult education andenrichment programs with park and recreation andsenior service activities. Local hospitals, museums, theaters,libraries, universities and other groups serve the interests ofthe adult population through classes, projects and volunteerism.And there are national organizations like The OASIS Institute,which offers programs in the arts, humanities, wellness,technology and volunteer services. The Lifelong Learning andLearning in Retirement Institutes found at hundreds of U.S. andCanadian colleges provide courses of study for retirees at acommunity level. Adult learning programs offer topnotch material and arepresented by experts


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in varied fields of learning but, unlike atypical collegiate course, there are no tests or grades. Thesettings vary and could be in a class room, outside on fieldtrips or in a workshop. The program could also be part of a travelexperience , as the tourism industry is increasinglyattuned to what travelers are asking for in their tours andpackages. Tour operators report that travelers are seeking more indepthhistorical, cultural, political and social information aboutdestinations being visited. A recent study conducted by the TravelIndustry Association of America and Smithsonian Magazinerevealed that 81% of adult travelers desire a cultural, arts,historic and heritage experience while on vacation. At theNational Tour Association, many of its member tour operatorsoffer packages that include learning experiences (38%), culturalactivities (58%), museums and special exhibitions (54%) andhistorical sites/events (73%). Here are some examples of programs that have been designedspecifically to add enrichment and lifelong learningopportunities for adults. Traveling Academic Programs The University of New Hampshire Continuing Education program isthe grandfather of travelingcontinuing education and enrichment programs for adults.What started as a summer vacation-learning experience foracademics over 30 years ago continues with its series ofDistinctive Learning Vacations that are available to the public.Tours are offered to destinations in North and South America,Europe and Asia, each led by UNH faculty and local destinationexperts. Most itineraries cover specific cities, regions ortopics and are designed to give travelers insights into theculture, philosophy and lifestyles of people being visited.There are two types of programs: Interhostel, for adults 50years and older; and Familyhostel, for adults and childrentraveling together. Contact: 800-733-9753, www.learn.unh.edu/interhostel Source: Grouptravelblog About the author: None

Written by: Elana Andersen

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