
2 minute read
Continued Education
Across Georgia public colleges and universities, an inclusive program is ensuring that the fruits of educational environments aren’t reserved for the youth. The 62 and Over Program allows all legal residents of Georgia over 62 to enroll in real college courses at little or no cost, promoting the benefits of education and creating a platform for intergenerational peership
As opposed to some other continued education programs, this educational initiative welcomes seniors into real online and in-person courses where they can engage in genuine curriculum, complete coursework, and challenge themselves alongside degree-pursuing college students. The benefits of education, in any environment, can’t be overstated.
Aside from empowering individuals with new knowledge and skills, education has been proven to sharpen mental acuity, encourage day-to-day problem-solving, and even reduce the risk of dementia Simple tasks like puzzles or brain teasers can sustain cognitive proficiency, but the more thought-provoking and challenging work in college courses offers an even more valuable experience Though the seniors taking these courses may not have a direct use for the fundamentals of chemistry, calculus, or art history that they’ll learn through these courses, the act of learning them and applying that knowledge through coursework can do wonders for their health and empower them to do more in other facets of their lives
“Education means to lead out, ” remarks Nunzio L., a retired journalist who made a career in learning and sharing new things.

“Something in you requires a stimulus to be brought out. That stimulus can be a great teacher, it can be an environment, or it could be exposure to new material ”
For Nunzio and others who have enrolled in courses through this program, that environment became invaluable.
The exchange of ideas, perspectives, and life experiences between generations creates a dynamic learning environment. Especially in courses like art history or anthropology, Nunzio and his classmates’ differing experiences offered dynamic foundations for the curriculum and coursework to be built upon. Additionally, their intergenerational dialogue nurtured empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse perspectives that exist within the classes and within our communities.
Coming into these courses with a matured understanding of the world, Nunzio “could often challenge questions the teachers were asking ” However, this was also an opportunity o keep his mind open. He notes that “on the other hand, there were things where I had my own notions and what I had learned, and younger students challenged them. ”

Again, these intergenerational learning environments are available at over two dozen higher education institutions across the state at little or no cost Whether you're interested in mathematics, performative arts, world history, or anthropology, or simply want to connect with a diverse classroom, Georgia’s 62 and Over program is a great opportunity for continued enrichment.
For guidance on how you can enroll in courses or how you could apply to this program to pursue a degree, reach out to an enrollment advisor or a specialist for non-degree students at your school of choice
