By Julie Halm
As we age, it is important to keep our bodies moving, but it is important to keep our minds in motion as well.
Erie County Senior Services offers older adults the opportunity to do just that and at no cost.
According to Katie Earl, community recreation coordinator for the aging for the Erie County Department of Senior Services, the University Express program for seniors through the county has been in place for more than 10 years, offering learning opportunities across a range of topics for free.
A look through the program’s catalogue will show that there is truly a class for every interest, from table tennis, to classes on literature to self defense specifically for seniors.
The diversity of the classes is no accident, according to Earl.
“We’re very proud to offer something for everybody — current events, history, natural sciences, gardening — we run the gamut and the good thing about our classes is they’re just an hour long. You go, you learn something new, you chat with people with similar interests,” she said. “A lot of our instructors came from the RSVP program because they were retired educators or professionals or someone with a passion, so it kind of grew out of that and then we continue to get feedback from our participants.”
The classes offer more than just knowledge, however. Earl said that participants do not have to be a member of the senior center where the classes are taking place. This offers individuals the opportunity to branch out and socialize while getting their mental boost. Additionally, for those who are members of a senior center or interested in becoming one, the program director said that going to the centers for the classes can be an opportunity to getting involved with other programming.
“We kind of look at this programming as a gateway to everything else that’s available and to increase support networks as well as a sense of connection,” she said.
That sense of connection is even available for those who are not able to get to the classes in person, as some classes are now being livestreamed so individuals can participate from home. In addition, there is an extensive catalogue of classes that are available for viewing to anybody, regardless of their age.
Earl took over the program in 2019 and was quickly faced with the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted the greater range of virtual learning options.
“We are really excited to be streaming more of our in-person classes this time around,” she said.
For those who do plan on attending classes in person, Earl said that some may feel a sense of apprehension about attending by themselves, but those nerves are unwarranted.
“If you have a purpose and you’re all sitting around for the same thing, than you’re naturally going to be able to chat with those people,” she said, adding that the classes are excellent opportunities to foster new friendships as well.
While the classes at both the libraries and seniors centers are open to individuals regardless of their membership status at those locations, it is requested that individuals interested in attending call ahead to reserve their spot, which can be done by calling the hosting facility directly.
A full list of upcoming classes can be found at www4.erie.gov/universityexpress.