The Best Classes for Seniors

If you’re like a lot of people, thinking about taking a class evokes memories of your days in high school or college. And it’s no wonder why — for many people, that was the last time they set foot in a classroom. But continuing education in retirement is a great way to keep your mind healthy and sharp, and classes for seniors are becoming more popular than ever before.

There’s an amazing degree of variety in the types of subjects you can study — and there’s a whole lot of fun to be had. Let’s take a closer look at some of the senior education opportunities we recommend for older adults.

Embrace Your Inner Chef

You might be thinking, “Hey, I already know how to cook!” But taking a cooking course is a fantastic way to expose yourself to ideas, techniques, and dishes you might never have discovered on your own. You’ll also pick up tips and tricks used in professional kitchens and, best of all, you get to eat your work.

To find a cooking class, check local cookware stores and chef’s training schools, or take your search online.

Strike a Pose with Yoga

Exercise is a great way to boost the health of both body and mind and, for seniors, yoga is a particularly good option. Why? It’s low-impact and highly variable in difficulty — that is, it’s easy to find moves that aren’t too taxing, no matter your current level of fitness. And in a big city like Houston, yoga studios are around every corner, in every neighborhood.

When you’re setting up your first class, ask about “senior-friendly” yoga or chair yoga — these are both designed to accommodate people with varying kinds of mobility challenges.

Cultivate Your Creativity

The arts are an amazing way to reinvigorate your sense of imagination — and creativity has proven links to brain elasticity and reduces your risk of cognitive decline. Better still, engaging in any form of personal creative expression improves your sense of self-esteem … and quite simply makes you feel good.

You may not think of yourself as creative or artistic, but that really doesn’t matter. When you create art — a sculpture, painting, pottery, song, or something wholly unique — the only person’s opinion that really matters is your own.

Look around for an informal pottery or painting workshop in your area — some of them even serve wine and appetizers while you paint, making them a fun outing for both family and friends.

Get Back on Campus

If you’re a Houston-area senior, you might take advantage of the fact that Houston Community College is offering free college classes for seniors — up to 6 free credit hours per semester to anyone over the age of 65. That includes both tuition and fees, leaving you to cover only the cost of books.

With classes in subjects like design, business, health sciences and the humanities, this is a great way to hop right into your preferred area of study. And if you find yourself getting really invested, know that adults over 65 enjoy 50% reduced tuition and fees on all classes past the free 6 credit hours.

Lifelong Learning Matters

At The Buckingham, we’re big believers in continuing education. Why? Because we know that someone who stays active and works to keep their mind sharp will likely live longer, happier and healthier. And we know that, no matter your age, everyone has the capacity to grow. That’s why we’re proud to offer our residents plenty of on-campus opportunities for education in retirement.

Continue reading to learn more about our forward-thinking, holistic approach to wellness.