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Our Favorite Lifelong Learning Opportunities Near Newton

senior woman and man walking by the JCC building

No matter how much you’ve learned in a lifetime, there’s always more knowledge to gain. Whether you graduated from college decades ago — or never had the chance to go to college — now’s your time to shine! Your retirement years are the perfect time to explore academic pursuits and experience the joy of  lifelong learning in your free time. As you start planning your future at Opus Newton, you’ll discover a plethora of lifelong learning for seniors near Boston.

Keeping your mind open to learning new things every day is key to a healthy and happy life. That’s why lifelong learning is such a big part of who we are at Opus Newton. We’re building a community of active adults who are engaged in life and inspired to learn more about our world. Just imagine the thrill of waking up every morning with plans to learn something new and expand your horizons. With numerous options for continued education for older adults on campus at Opus Newton and nearby in the city, you’ll never run out of things to learn and places to explore.

JCC Greater Boston

With Opus Newton’s location on the JCC campus in Newton, MA, you’ll be able to explore a wealth of lifelong learning opportunities when you step outside your door. From learning the basics of pastel and oil painting to practicing tai chi or playing mah-jongg, there’s a world of possibilities to explore. For those who dream of performing jazz music on stage, the JCC Big Band is open to all levels of musicians. JCC also offers support groups and therapeutic exercise classes for people with Parkinson’s disease. The JCC Greater Boston continues to offer an evolving lineup of classes and events to meet the needs of the local community, and everyone is welcome to participate.

Brandeis University

Brandeis University’s Osher LIfelong Learning Institute (BOLLI) is a learning community of intellectually curious adults with opportunities for virtual and in-person learning. BOLLI offers educational seminars led by Brandeis faculty members and other lecture series led by distinguished scholars.

Members can enroll in courses in art, technology, music history, memoir writing, environmental science and more. Special-interest groups meet regularly to explore shared interests on topics such as aging with resilience, arts and culture excursions, storytelling and theater, book clubs, poetry circles, current events discussions, and more. Learn more about BOLLI membership options and an expansive lineup of educational opportunities are available for members.

UMass Boston

UMass Boston’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a member-powered community that offers educational, cultural and social programs for adult learners ages 50+. OLLI offers more than 200 learning opportunities for members every year, with courses, presentations and special events.

In-person and online classes led by faculty members and scholars feature a variety of formats (lecture, discussion, hands-on activities) for learners. Dive into courses on Genealogy, America’s National Park System, Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Ethics, and Adventures in Knitting, just to name a few!

Members also have access to the online Mango Languages Program, which provides a user-friendly platform for learning your choice of 70+ languages at your own pace from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Learn more about the benefits of OLLI membership and all the ways you can continue your educational journey.

Resident-led Learning Opportunities at Opus

Discover an array of lifelong learning opportunities at Opus Newton, where resident volunteers coordinate classes, interest groups, and educational lectures. The campus will offer beautiful spaces for lifelong learning in dedicated classrooms on campus, with activities provided by resident volunteers. Learn more about volunteer opportunities and sharing your knowledge by teaching a class at Opus Newton.

You might attend a cooking class or a special program on history, photography, knitting, or other creative arts. Look for opportunities to join a club that matches your interests, where you can connect and share ideas with fellow book lovers, movie buffs, sports fans, aspiring artists, philosophical minds, etc. There’s no limit to what you can learn and do as a resident of Opus Newton!

Begin an Exciting New Chapter

Ready to keep on living and learning? Come live at Opus Newton, with plenty of lifelong learning opportunities nearby and even chances to teach what you know! Contact us to learn more about joining our vibrant community.