One of the best ways to keep your mind sharp is to take classes, gain knowledge and learn new skills. That's good advice at any age, but it rings especially true for older adults.

To encourage lifelong learning, every one of the 50 states offers some form of reduced, or even free, tuition for seniors. In fact, there are so many options, we put together this list of resources and suggestions to start a learning adventure.

State Universities and Colleges

Many state universities and colleges offer programs for state residents aged 60 and over, some even for 50 and over. Programs can vary widely from state to state and institution to institution. Some programs offer no-cost class auditing that won’t earn credits. Others offer low-cost classes for credit or non-credit. Some, like The College of Wooster in Ohio, offer community members of any age one tuition-free class audit per semester.

The University of Minnesota has a robust Senior Citizen Education Program (SCEP) for state residents 62 and over. Seniors can audit classes for free or earn credits for just $20 per credit. The program has seen a 67% increase in enrollment from 2013 to 2023, showing the growing interest in lifelong learning among older adults.

Columbia University's Lifelong Learners Auditing Program allows individuals over 65 to audit courses at discount. Auditors attend as "silent observers" in classes on topics like literature, history, philosophy and more.

Looking for a program near you? The Penny Hoarder has a list of free or cheap learning opportunities for seniors in all 50 states.

Community Education

Most urban cities offer a wide range of low-cost classes through their community education programs. These often focus on specific skills, such as photography, learning another language, or boning up on computer skills. But the range of options is usually pretty broad. 

Minneapolis Community Education offers academic and enrichment classes designed for adults to explore interests and develop social connections. Registration is open seasonally. Check in frequently to see if there are any offerings that meet your interests!

For adults over 50, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Minnesota offers hundreds of high-quality noncredit courses both in-person and online, along with social, cultural and volunteer opportunities. The program has a community of active, engaged and curious learners. Their motto is "Come for the courses, stay for the friends".

Community Centers

Community centers and other local resources, such as parks, museums and even retail shops, offer general and special-interest classes on everything from using a cellphone to beekeeping. The 350 Jewish Community Centers (JCC) across the nation are just one example.

Senior living communities managed by The Goodman Group also offer enrichment programs and classes for residents, creating opportunities to learn and socialize close to home. The communities provide various activities including technology courses, creative arts, music therapy and nature-based activities designed to help seniors embrace new experiences.

Online Learning

The opportunities for online learning seem endless. Some of the top universities have free online classes, including Harvard, MIT, UCLA and Michigan State University. Many college and university courses are offered through companies like Coursera. 

Platforms like edX, Udemy and Skillshare provide affordable options for learning virtually any subject. Many of these platforms offer senior discounts or free introductory courses. For instance, GetSetUp is for adults over 50 and offers hundreds of classes taught by peers in your age group. 

For those interested in the arts, MasterClass provides lessons from experts. Language enthusiasts might enjoy Duolingo's user-friendly approach to learning new languages at your own pace.

Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Aside from being just plain fun, lifelong learning has an array of added benefits. Here are just a few.

• Keep a Sharp Mind – This includes slowing memory loss, which learning new information and skills can help. In particular, focusing on new, unfamiliar skills can improve cognitive function.
• Make New Friends – Learning with others is a great way to prevent loneliness and isolation, make new friends, and share new-found interests.
• Retain or Build Physical Abilities – Taking a class isn’t just good for the brain. It can be good for the body, as well. Learning to use new tools in a woodworking class can help strengthen the upper body, just as joining a bird-watching group can have a restorative effect on the whole body. Consider learning a new type of physical exercise! There are plenty of free apps out there to give a try, too. 
• Feel a Sense of Accomplishment and Purpose – Learning a new language, picking up a new skill, or creating a new work of art can all bring a deep sense of pride and even a renewed sense of life purpose. And that’s surely worth the price of admission!

The world of learning is vast and readily available to anyone who wishes to dive into it. Simply select your area of interest, and you'll likely find an assortment of online and in-person classes for you to choose from. It's time to ignite your curiosity and expand your knowledge. Let the learning begin!