Retirement is the perfect time to commit oneself to lifelong learning. Findings show that 31% of surveyed seniors plan to enroll in a course in the near future, with nearly 20% actively enrolled in a class. Even better, seniors have their pick of academic courses, especially online.

Senior living communities like Redbud Place Assisted Living provide seniors with the necessary tools they need to thrive in online learning settings; these tools include wifi access, quiet areas for studying, and private living suites. A friendly staff is also available to help set up any necessary accounts and software to assist with online learning for adults.

Start planning an elderly online education path with this comprehensive guide to senior learning programs and tools.

Local Virtual Education for Elderly Students

Start with any local options first. Each year, brick-and-mortar campuses add even more online-only classes to their schedules. Some college and university degree programs may be completed entirely online, too.

Seniors can pick up schedules from a campus office or student center to see a full list of courses complete with class descriptions, times, and credits. These schedules are also available online from the institution’s website.

Remember, a senior living professional can help navigate an online course system or help set up necessary online materials for residents. Seniors who still live at home may also receive assistance from a college employee or family member.

When buying technology for online programs, prioritize quality and convenience. Laptops are the best choice; they’re affordable, with netbooks being a fraction of the cost. Desktop computers with larger monitors are another option; both desktop and laptop screens may be adjusted to display large fonts for seniors with vision problems.

Seniors may officially enroll in online college courses or audit courses if they wish. There are enrollment windows for the fall and spring semesters. Seniors may also take online courses in winter and summer.

A government form of ID is typically required with proof of residence. Don’t worry about transcripts, as these aren’t necessary for continuing education programs. Plus, local colleges and universities often have senior learning programs.

Online Courses for Seniors through the Library

The next local educational option is the local library. Cities have local library branches throughout various neighborhoods, including downtown areas. Libraries offer free internet access, computers, and online courses.

Seniors can find online courses in computer fundamentals at local libraries, like word processing, internet learning for retirees, social networking, and more basics. Online courses in library sciences may also be available for seniors interested in learning more about the library world.

Libraries also hold classes on site which supplements online education with in-person interactions. These classes may offer hands-on education in arts and crafts, local history, and creative writing. Libraries also host author talks and guest speakers.

Of course, local libraries provide seniors with a chance to design their self-paced curriculum. Lifelong learning can be as simple as checking out a book from the library or joining a book club. Signing up for a library card is easy and only requires a form of government ID.

Discover Elderly Online Education Through Learning Platforms

One of the most popular (and affordable) options for online senior education is Coursera, an online learning platform for students of all ages. All seniors need is an email to sign up, and no government ID or student ID card is required. Senior living residents may receive assistance when signing up for these platforms.

The Coursera platform is easy to navigate, and the majority of classes are available for free. Both individual courses and programs are available. For a small monthly fee, seniors may enroll in a degree or certificate program.

Online Courses are offered by accredited institutions from around the world. Both classes and degree programs are self-paced and may completed on the student’s own time. Courses are set up as learning modules; students are provided with a task list that shows when each module has been completed.

Online learning modules include:

Video lectures
Selected readings
Quizzes and exams
Discussion forums
File uploads for projects

The discussion forum gives seniors a chance to meet and engage with fellow students.

Another learning platform to consider is edX. This website is similar to Coursera and offers enriching courses from the world’s top universities. The majority of these classes are also free, and degree and certificate programs are available at an affordable month-to-month fee.

Course Offerings from AARP

This next option is one of the best online learning platforms for seniors, AARP’s Senior Planet. This platform is packed with online courses designed for senior enrichment, from morning wellness routines to academic courses in general studies. Courses are also offered live through video conferencing tools.

Live courses give seniors a chance to interact in real-time with fellow seniors. There are also introductory “meet and greet” sessions where seniors can meet and bond with fellow seniors over shared goals and educational journeys.

AARP’s Senior Planet is an excellent source for social media basics. Senior students learn how to set up accounts to showcase artistic talents like visual art, music, and gardening.

Other course categories include:

Morning stretches and breathing techniques
Managing senior mental health
Fascinating history courses
Art, art history, and art therapy
Movies and documentaries
Science and nature
Senior finances
Business courses

These courses are an excellent supplement to a senior living social calendar. For example, the social calendar at Redbud Place Assisted Living is packed with activities designed for senior enrichment, including movie nights, morning exercises, games, and social hours.

Discover the Benefits of Online Learning for Adults

The golden years are the perfect time to earn that second degree or enroll in college for the first time. It’s also an opportunity to explore a range of enriching courses and discover new skills.

Redbud Place Assisted Living also believes in the promise of online learning for adults. Our community provides seniors with a safe and sound learning environment with reading areas, tranquil gardens, and comfortable living suites.

Our community is managed by a senior living team dedicated to compassionate care, providing both residents and their families with much-needed peace of mind. We encourage all interested parties to book a tour of our community to meet our staff and view our thriving community in action.