Learning in Retirement is counting down the days till the start of another action-packed season of meeting the educational, physical, intellectual, and social needs of Valdosta State University’s friends and neighbors.
 
A member-led and VSU-sponsored organization, Learning in Retirement will kick off its 2016 winter term on Tuesday, Jan. 12, in the Regional Center for Continuing Education Auditorium with a Sing in the New Year luncheon. The celebration will begin with a business meeting at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a musical program at noon. Registration costs $12 and is due by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7.
 
Men and women 50 years of age and older have 87 opportunities to learn something new during the Learning in Retirement 2016 winter term, which features a course lineup full of trips and tours, books and book reviews, topics that are simply “good to know,” special events, and classes in the areas of health and fitness, computers and technology, fine arts, leisure, history, social studies, and science.
 
Founded in January 1996, Learning in Retirement “provides a unique opportunity for cultural growth, lifelong learning, and recreation,” according to information provided by the organization. The course offerings and curriculum are “chosen, designed, and often led by the members, encouraging peer learning and active member participation.”
 
Learning in Retirement capitalizes “on the strengths and experiences of older adults, empowering them to continue learning, expand their horizons, and enhance their personal development.”
 
Membership costs $45 per person per term — fall, winter, and spring — and allows members to participate in as many Learning in Retirement courses as they desire. A few courses and special activities require an additional fee, which is always noted in advance in the course catalog.
 
New members are always welcome.     
 
VSU’s Regional Center for Continuing Education is located at 903 N. Patterson St.