10 Best Places for Lifelong Learning

Reader Comments
Back to blog

It would be nice if AARP would publish this list and the programs included.

NW of MI 6:43AM August 18, 2009

At the Community College of Baltimore County in Maryland we have a tremendous senior program. Last year we ran 684 courses with 12,785 registrants. In addition, lifelong learning is not just for seniors, but for everyone beginning with toddlers. Our Life Enrichment/Community Education programs are exceptional offering everything from business and finance, art, personal development, languages to health and fitness and maritime studies. Last year we ran a total of 1,593 courses with 9,724 registrations. There are many other continuing education programs in lifelong learning that I have not mentioned but the numbers speak for themselves: 3,841 courses with 41,528 registrations for FY'09.

Ginny Carson of MD 9:33AM August 13, 2009

Why is everything listed in the NE corner of the US. Hard to believe that is the only area of the US where good life long learning is found.

Bob Murphy of WA 9:52PM August 10, 2009

In Burlington County NJ we are fortunate to have the first of an Elderhostel affiliated senior program sponsored by our community college.
It was founded in 1990 and still going strong, almost 20 years later.
It is a steal, 80 dollars a year entitled members to choose from more than 100 courses . The program runs year - round and all courses are designed for and led by fellow seniors. Classes are held on the college campuses which are located in various parts of the county.
The program is called LIFE (Learning is for Everyone). My husband and I have been members for 16 years. We are both "teachers" and students. Our classes are great for keeping the brain exercised.

Pat McIntyre of NJ 12:17PM August 10, 2009

http://www.usg.edu/student62.phtml

a of GA 8:29PM August 09, 2009

Good article. I believe Naples, Florida should be listed.
John Meade
http://thephilbehindcloseddoors.blogspot.com/

John S. Meade of FL 4:46PM August 06, 2009

Not only did you ignore the West, but also the Southeast where mild winters and outstanding universities combine to make educational opportunities easily available for older "scholars." As described above, the Encore program at North Carolina State University in Raleigh provides a wide selection of both classroom and field courses that provide educational and social opportunities to over 1000 "over-50" students. Please consider Encore when making next year's list.

Linda Dennison of NC 4:17PM August 05, 2009

Did these researchers (and the writer for that matter) actually visit these places? Merrifield is stripmalls, industrial parks and congested traffic - there is no real source of education nearby.
I grew up not too far from Merrifield, it is nice enough when you need to go to the grocery store, but one of the "10 Best Places for Lifelong Learning" - hardly.
I have long questioned the accuracy of some of these "best" lists, they seem mostly based on questionable or ill-applied statistics - if making Merrifield, VA one of the "10 Best..." is not proof that these lists are quack, nothing is.

Don of MD 12:45PM August 05, 2009

Apparently the author never ventured out west of the Mississippi. There are many wonderful places in the west and southwest that meet the criteria.

S Anderson of UT 11:32PM August 03, 2009

One of the best surprises I had when moving to Raleigh, was the excellent Life Long Learning program named Encore on the North Carolina State University campus. Besides having a great selection of classes, there are social events and trips that provide opportunities for lasting friendships. All teachers are volunteer but many have been on the faculties of NC State and other universities. Your article was interesting and I would encourage you to look into Encore before finalizing next year's list.

Cary Peterson of NC 8:21PM August 03, 2009