Philip Malone was searching for something when he walked into his first Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) class, even if he did not expect to find it there. The recent retiree had spent the last several decades building professional purpose and social connection in a job that was no longer his. Suddenly faced with the next stage of life, Malone felt lost and uncertain, and was desperately trying to find fulfilling ways to spend his time. “I was in a funk,” Malone admits. “I didn’t know what to do.”
Malone had never heard of the OLLI program until his wife suggested he attend a class in 2013. Both were just hoping the free, open-to-the-community class, would be a nice way for him to spend an hour learning more about a topic of interest.
Eight years later, he now realizes that class provided him with much more than he had hoped. He has found the purpose and connection he was searching for in the classes, field trips, and social opportunities for members. “It’s enriching in life to keep learning new things,” Malone said.
The retiree now spends his time taking several classes per semester. He has turned passions, like photography and travel, into classes and field trips. OLLI has given him new interests, too. With a career in the natural sciences, Malone missed out on history courses in college. He now considers those his favorite classes to take.
For Malone, not all learning has come from a classroom or field trip. He most enjoys learning from fellow OLLI members as they swap life stories and talk about each other’s interests. Those members have become Malone’s family by extension, and he appreciates the social relationships he has built.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced OLLI classes to go online in 2020, Malone realized how important that social component truly was. For many members, OLLI is their biggest source of community connection to others. He hopes OLLI will continue to offer online options in addition to in-person events in the future. In doing so, the program can become available to mature adults who need that connection but have health problems or transportation challenges that make it difficult to attend in-person.
OLLI helped Malone find ways to stay active and enjoy life long after his career was over, and he wants that opportunity available to everyone.
