“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” — Socrates
Seniors used to dream of retiring to a mountaintop aerie or beach bungalow, usually near a golf course. It’s a different retirement today as many are seeking to spend their later years in a college or university town, a trend the Wall Street Journal noted in an article last December.
The reporter cited four couples who chose to retire to university communities in Alabama (Birmingham), Oregon (Portland), Texas (Austin) and North Carolina (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill).
As the Journal noted, Jim Bowers, a newcomer from Vermont to the RDU area, had always lived in a college town and “felt that being near Duke University, North Carolina State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was an important part of the quality of life” he sought and enjoyed.
Research shows that people feel younger when they are surrounded by 20-year-olds. Seniors also like the perks that come with being part of college life: the plays, concerts, guest speakers, the library and even just hanging out. It is the only model community that is truly intergenerational by definition, offering seniors the best part of college life.
NC State’s Encore Program
The Encore program at North Carolina State University provides noncredit courses, study trips and special events for adults aged 50 plus.
While some seniors head to Florida for sunshine and stimulation, Encore members head to the classroom, seeking stimulation of the mind through fascinating courses and interesting people.
Founded in 1991, the Encore program has approximately 1000 members who join annually. They are at the core of the program, taking an active role in the classroom or behind the scenes, helping to design the classes.
Part of what makes this learning community unique is the exchange of ideas in the classroom with members from diverse backgrounds. Instructors, who volunteer in order to keep fees low, find it rewarding as well because of the rich learning atmosphere.
Since classes are noncredit, the only prerequisite is a desire to learn. Members also have a chance to participate in extracurricular special interest groups which are entirely member-organized.
Most classes are held at the NCSU McKimmon Center for Extension and Continuing Education. Members choose from more than 80, six-week courses every year. These courses usually meet once a week for 90 minutes. Homework is optional; there are no tests or grades. This helps to relieve members of any anxiety, enabling them to enjoy the course fully.
Encore is financed through membership, program fees and sponsorships as well as the Encore Endowment. Expenses include classroom rental, administrative and staff support, and registration processing. Registration is open throughout the program year. Encore offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities to keep its programs affordable for the greatest number of adults, aged 50 and older.
This program offers seniors the opportunity to enrich their minds with new ideas. For more information, contact the Encore office at 919-515-5782 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or write to: Encore, Campus Box 7401, Raleigh, NC 27695.