Beginning in August, Nicholls will offer programs for adults age 50 and older. Golden Learning Opportunities (GLO) will be offered to older adults through the Generations Teaching Generations program.
When Generations Teaching Generations program started, they knew they wanted a phase for adults 50 and older, Eve Evans, GLO assistant said.
On April 7, an organizational meeting was held in the Cotillion Ballroom of Bollinger Memorial Student Union. At this meeting, seniors learned about the various programs that GLO would be able to offer them, such as gardening, painting and genealogy studies.
Seniors will have input in the organization. A board was created from the seniors who attended the meeting. The board will assist with planning courses for members and provide leadership for the organization. Jean Ayo, family and consumer sciences assistant professor and GLO sponsor, said the board will allow GLO to offer programs that interest seniors, because the seniors will choose which courses will be offered.
Members of GLO do not have to be enrolled students at Nicholls, but will have access to the same facilities offered to Nicholls students, such as Ellender Memorial Library and parking. Nicholls will provide all resources for GLO members, such as buses for field trips and classrooms.
GLO has five sessions each year, two during the fall and spring semesters and one during the summer. Each course meets weekly for two hours, either in the morning or in the afternoon for a total of 10 hours of instruction each session.
GLO will provide special activities at noon for members. One of these activities will be a luncheon with a Nicholls faculty member. Faculty members will speak to the seniors on a particular topic.
GLO will help seniors remain active both mentally and physically, Evans said. Seniors who give back to the community have a smaller chance of getting Alzheimer’s, she said.
GLO is phase two of the Generations Teaching Generations program. Phase one began over a year ago with toddlers. The toddlers were given the opportunity to interact with Nicholls students pursuing a degree in education. With both phases of the program completed, the seniors and toddlers will be allowed to interact with one another.
Currently, there are about 40 seniors interested in becoming a member of GLO. Members will be assessed a small fee for joining the organization. Members will also pay for courses and trips, but the cost will be minimal. “This is an opportunity for Nicholls to reach out to the older community and make a difference,” Ayo said.