CORAL GABLES, FL -- Each week at The Palace Coral Gables and The Palace Suites Kendall, residents may be learning about famous and infamous men of historical significance, music appreciation from The Great American Songbook, and the culture and history of Latin American countries.
Made available through a partnership with the University of Miami’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), The Palace offers their residents academically rigorous classes for active learning without needing to leave the community.
“Our focus groups with prospects and residents provided insights that more stimulating lectures were desired as ongoing activities. Seniors seek ways to stay intellectually stimulated and wanted college-level lectures made available,” said Adam Rosenblum, vice president of The Palace Group. “It was a perfect partnership for us, and our residents enjoy learning in a relaxed and supportive environment. It’s learning without homework or grades. We’ve been offering OLLI courses since The Palace Coral Gables opened in 2013 and found these to be so popular, we introduced them at The Palace Suites.”
According to Osher Director Magda Vergara, Ph.D., the University of Miami’s OLLI is one of 123 in the country. In addition to the classes at The Palace communities, courses are offered on UM’s campus too. In the fall, The Palace Suites will become a satellite OLLI campus and courses will be available to the residents and the community at large focusing on art appreciation, current events and history.
The Palace Coral Gables and The Palace Suites offer different courses based on the interests of residents and Dr. Vergara coordinates with each community’s activity director.
At Palace Coral Gables, an OLLI instructor comes and teaches computer classes in addition to the 6-weeks of humanities-oriented courses, while at The Suites, residents enjoy music appreciation courses. No level of education is required to participate.
“Classes typically are 90 minutes which is fairly strenuous for seniors, but this provides enough time to engage in discussion and ask questions,” said Vergara.
People see the importance of keeping stimulated. According to findings by the Association for Psychological Science, aging adults who engage in difficult tasks and learn new skills show more memory improvements than those who take part in less demanding mental activities.
“The teaching faculty for OLLI seems to enjoy the opportunity to focus on teaching rather than be burdened with administrative responsibilities such as tests and grades. They may be adjunct faculty in other colleges but have a special connection with OLLI,” she said. “They enjoy the time with the seniors who have active minds and value the opportunity to keep learning.”
Vergara says active learning is important. Because a professor is right in front of the audience, people are actively engaged in the learning environment. They can ask questions and hear the answers. It’s very different than computer learning or watching TV.
“Active learning keeps people motivated. Our instructors bring the knowledge and older adults welcome this opportunity to expand their knowledge and learn about topics in which they may have an interest,” she added.
To learn more about The Palace communities, please visit www.ThePalace.org
