Professors love older students
Learners like Friedman are not the only ones who benefit from the recent surge of mature students. An increasing number of studies conducted in college  classrooms show that younger, so-called traditional students actually perform better when partnered with older peers. Older students bring diversity and real-life experience to the classroom. Professors also find mature students a tremendous asset as they can reference events unknown to most 18 to 22 year olds.

Relax, there won’t be a quiz
Colleges and universities are beginning to take note. Recently, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) proposed plans for a retirement facility that shares communal space with the college campus, giving residents access to vast university libraries, cutting-edge technology, and an opportunity to check up on their grandchildren.

Fortunately for those who aren’t thrilled with the thought of rooming with college students, there are other options. A number of colleges and community colleges allow older students to “audit” courses, essentially taking a class without credit towards a degree, or even a grade. Some states, including Illinois, have adopted statewide tuition waivers for seniors who wish to take classes at public institutions. However, a fee is often required.

Class at your convenience
Online classes make it even easier for non-traditional students to learn at their convenience. Rather than attend class three times a week, students can log on and view a lecture or participate in a discussion whenever and from wherever they want. In the past three years, the number of students enrolled in online courses has doubled to over 3.5 million, according to the Sloan Consortium, an online education group. However, critics of online classes caution that students miss out on the  camaraderie and debate of a real-life classroom.

Learning is social
Currently, Friedman is taking a philosophy course on DVD, available through Sedgebrook’s Center for Continuous Learning, which hosts frequent lectures,  classes, and workshops on campus. From a NASA scientist to an American historian to a Tai Kwon Do expert, guest speakers are as diverse as their subject matter.

Still, Friedman says that nothing compares to a lively, real-time discussion. She recently joined Sedgebrook’s current events panel, which meets in the community’s classroom. “We’re discussing Iraq and whether we should send  more troops in or whether there should be an exit strategy. People have the courtesy not to speak at the same time, so everybody is allowed to speak and give their ideas. It’s very stimulating,” she says.

Opportunities are out there
According to Friedman, the social aspect is one of the biggest benefits of continuous learning. “There’s a certain bonding among people, and it seems to go really deep. There are so many opportunities to be a part of things and really to bond with other people at Sedgebrook.”

How to continue your education—without cracking your nest egg

Continuing education may be priceless, but it often comes with a  hefty price-tag. Here are a few simple ways you can expand your horizons at little or no cost.

•  “Audit” a course at your local college or university. If you’re not interested in earning a degree, many colleges and universities allow older students to audit classes at discounted fees. Since these programs are not well-publicized, call the college registrar’s office and ask.
• Request a catalogue from your community college. Less expensive than most four-year institutions, community colleges offer class schedules that  are often more convenient for busy adults.

• Join an interest group in your neighborhood. Check the bulletin boards at your local library, book store, and coffee shop for discussion groups that are forming.

• Attend public lectures. Keep an eye on the newspaper as well as your town’s community calendar (usually posted in the local library or online) for upcoming events. Often, organizations like Sedgebrook's Center for Continuous Learning will host events that are free and open to the public.