By Kristin Sullivan

Concordia Lutheran Ministries, a Pittsburgh-area nonprofit senior care provider that currently provides care for 1,400 seniors, has launched a “college for seniors” program, called the Concordia Institute for Lifelong Learning. In its inaugural semester, Fall 2009, there were more than 80 senior participants, and enrollment is already high for the new semester, beginning Feb. 9.

“Concordia Institute for Lifelong Learning was specifically designed to promote mental fitness for seniors,” explains Concordia Haven Apartments Program Director Cathy Questiaux. “Concordia offers this ‘ageless university’ to our residents, as well as to seniors in the community, to provide them an opportunity to learn something new in a relaxed, pressure free environment.”

The classes, most of which are just $35 for five weeks, include Beginning German, Beginning Spanish, Introduction to Ballroom Dancing, Introduction to Typing, Let’s Talk About Decorating, Using Computers Creatively, and Eating Well for Life through Food and Nutrition. Ongoing classes also including line dancing and watercolor painting.

“These are not your typical craft sessions,” Questiaux says. In fact, she says, some of the courses are specifically designed to meet seniors’ changing needs. “While all the classes are pretty interesting, the home décor class ‘Let’s Talk About Decorating’ offers a unique perspective for seniors, many of whom have downsized to a smaller living situation,” she says. “The idea behind the class is that there are still many ways to beautifully decorate a retirement apartment.”

Instructors come from local schools and community colleges, from the Concordia staff, and from the ranks of residents themselves.

“There are so many beneficial aspects to Concordia Institute,” says Concordia Vice President for Retirement Services Larry Talmadge. “It’s great for your mental fitness and alertness, socialization, self-esteem, learning new skills, broadening your horizons, achieving goals and so much more. We’re extremely proud of the program and the good it’s doing in this community; we hope to see it grow exponentially.”

For more information on Concordia Lutheran Ministries, please visit their website.