Just because you’ve settled into retirement doesn’t mean you should stop learning new things and continue your education! Whether you thoroughly enjoyed your college years or you really wanted to attend university but never had the opportunity, there are many benefits to going back to school for seniors in the greater Concord area.

Learning new things is extremely beneficial for the brain at any age and for seniors, can greatly help to improve cognitive function. Whenever you learn something new, your brain kicks into overdrive by growing new cells and building new connections. These positive actions have been proven to help improve problem-solving skills and memory skills. Additionally, dedicating your time to learning new things can help to reduce your risk for developing memory-related issues including dementia.

Senior Education: Say Yes To Lifelong Learning

Dedicating time to learning is not only good for your brain but an excellent opportunity to meet others and expand your social group. Many seniors, can find that making new friends is difficult as they age and if you have decided not to age in place, finding new opportunities to interact with others can be difficult at first. Studies show that half of college students aged 50 and up actually start attending community college in an effort to connect with others while they work towards a new career.

This also means that many of the community centers, libraries, colleges and universities across the US are taking notice of the influx of senior students, offering tax credits, scholarships, reduced fees and more. Whether you are interested in taking a few interesting classes that may be beneficial to your favorite hobbies or you want to go back to school to finish your degree, there are many great senior education opportunities around Concord. Keep reading to learn more and find the right courses to fit your needs!

Recreational Courses

Painting with Anne Propst

A professional painter for more than 20 years, Anne Propst has taught many students in her studio over the years and is always looking for new artists to join her class. She offers courses that include everything from basic oil and acrylic painting instruction to pet portraits, enamel painting and much more. Visit her website for more details regarding her current class offerings.

Beekeeping Series

The Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks Department offers a wide range of activities and learning course that the modern senior may enjoy. In particular, the horticultural programs offer a wide range of different classes throughout the year. While beekeeping can be a hobby for some, others dive deeper into the art form by pursuing a profession that offers many different facets. Whether you would simply like to learn more about bees or you’re interested in becoming a hobbyist beekeeper, this introductory course is a great idea.

Intro to Facebook

As one of the greatest tools for connecting with friends and family online, Facebook has become a household name over the last several years. But that doesn’t mean every senior in Concord has signed up for the social platform. And in some cases, even if you have already made an account, you may not be familiar with all of the features offered by Facebook. Luckily, Cabarrus County offers free Facebook learning courses for seniors at the public library. This fun, fast and interactive course will help you to feel more comfortable online and ready to take Facebook by storm in no time at all!

Community College

Did you know that The American Association of Community Colleges reports that a whopping 84 percent of community colleges in the US offer courses that are specially-geared towards students aged 50 and up? While these are not typically free courses, you may be eligible for senior discounts and scholarships to help pay for your studies.

There are a number of different course options offered at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College that can help you to start or finish your degree. Whether you’re interested in fine arts, business, science, cosmetology or healthcare, there is a degree, diploma or certificate course that’s right for you at Rowan-Cabarrus. In addition to offering classroom teaching, there are also a number of online courses that you can choose from at Rowan-Cabarrus.

Enrolling in College: Common Requirements for Seniors

Just like any other entering freshman, you will need to apply and enroll in post-secondary classes. However, as a senior, you don’t have to spend time fretting over your SAT scores or entrance essay. While the requirements for seniors can vary from school to school, they usually include:

Do I Qualify for a Tuition Waiver?

Many colleges and universities are happy to reduce or waive tuition fees for seniors who are interested in both credited and no-credit courses. In fact, the American Council on Education says that 60% of accredited degree-training schools in the country offer tuition waivers for seniors. But many of these programs are underutilized due to lack of awareness, space availability and possible income caps. So be sure to speak to your advisor about potential tuition waivers that may be available to you!

Learn More About Education and Recreational Opportunities for Seniors in Concord

Are you interested in going back to school to finish a degree? Or maybe you want to take a fun introductory course to get your creative juices flowing once again. When you live in Concord, the sky is the limit when it comes to educational opportunities – if you know where to look! At Havenwoord Heritage Heights, we are dedicated to ensuring that our continuing care retirement community residents have access to the tools they need to live a happy and fulfilled life. Want to learn more about the many activities and amenities offered here at our luxury senior retirement community? Contact our admissions team online today for more information.