Learning for the Love of It
By Dr. Kathy Martin, Glenmeadow
Published in Longmeadow Neighbors | August 2026
For many of us, the words “school’s out!” still brings back a familiar feeling: the start of summer, a little more freedom, and maybe a welcome break from homework, tests, and packed schedules. But the truth is, learning never really stops. It changes shape. Sometimes it happens in a classroom, and sometimes it happens over coffee, during a trip, in a good book, or in conversation with a neighbor.
For older adults, lifelong learning can be one of life’s great pleasures. It is a way to stay curious, connected, and energized. It can also be wonderfully practical: a chance to explore a new topic; revisit an old interest; keep up with the world; prepare for continued work; or simply enjoy the satisfaction of saying, “I never knew that.”
And older adults are doing exactly that. According to AARP, 55% of Americans aged 45 and older actively learn new things for personal growth, even though participation in formal education tends to decline with age. That makes sense. Not everyone wants to sign up for a semester-long course, but many people still want fresh ideas, lively discussion, and opportunities to stretch their thinking.
The reasons are as varied as the learners themselves.
A survey by UPCEA, the online and professional education association, found that adults pursue continuing education for personal growth, enrichment, keeping the mind active, increasing knowledge, and learning new job or career skills.
In other words, people keep learning because it feels good, it matters, and it opens doors.
Lifelong learning is also gaining attention as an important part of healthy aging. Organizations such as the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning point to its value in helping people remain active and engaged. Still, the old model of adult education does not always fit real life. A 15-week class, weekly assignments, and exams may fit someone’s current lifestyle and goals. Many people prefer learning that is flexible and social, with less pressure and more fun.
That is part of the appeal of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) network. Offered through colleges and universities, OLLI programs are designed for older adults and focus on non-credit learning. Members can take classes, hear from faculty and guest speakers, gather socially, and travel together. There are no grades and no tests, just learning for the pure pleasure of it. Topics are unlimited, with recent examples for OLLIs nationwide including history, art, current events, astronomy, creative writing, negotiation, aging, and even stand-up comedy.
Technology has made learning even more accessible. During the COVID-19 pandemic, colleges and universities became much more comfortable offering classes remotely, and many of those options remain. For someone who is homebound, managing mobility challenges, avoiding winter driving, or simply enjoying the convenience of learning from home, online and hybrid programs can be a real gift.
At Glenmeadow, we are building on that same spirit with ELEVATE Lifelong Learning. The idea is simple and exciting: make Glenmeadow a hub for learning, conversation, and discovery. Rather than partnering with just one college or university, ELEVATE draws on faculty, experts, artists, and community members from across Western Massachusetts and beyond. That means more variety, more voices, and more chances to follow curiosity wherever it leads. Residents are invited to explore new ideas, examine complex topics, and stay intellectually sharp in the company of others who value learning. Programming is thoughtful, substantive, and designed to stimulate conversation, not simplify it. Whether engaging with scholars, artists, and thought leaders, or diving deep into shared inquiry with peers, participants are encouraged to question, reflect, and grow.
Kathy Martin
Senior Living
Glenmeadow
413-567-7800
glenmeadow.org
Glenmeadow residents are not just participants in this effort; they are part of what makes it special. Many bring deep experience, talent, and perspective to share. Some lead sessions themselves. Others ask the question that gets the whole room thinking. ELEVATE also moves beyond the classroom with outings to local cultural sites and events. After all, Western Massachusetts is full of places to learn: museums; theaters; historic sites; gardens; libraries; music venues; lecture series; and neighborhoods rich with stories and histories.
“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” — Henry Ford
That is the joyful promise of lifelong learning. It keeps us asking questions, meeting people, trying new things, and seeing the world with fresh eyes. At every age, there is always something more to discover.
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