A journey to Iceland or a class about the power of feminist art. Field trips to planetariums and probiotic factories. Behind-the-scenes looks at world-renowned performance venues and ghost tours. These are just a few of the many options provided through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UC Irvine.

The most alluring part? The accessibility. Despite what most people think, there’s no age requirement to become a member. You simply need to be available during the day to attend class – perfect for students, retirees or anyone not working a standard 9-to-5 job. For $160 per semester or $235 for the whole year, you can take all the classes you like. More than 50 of them, plus special events, were offered last fall, ranging from health and meditation to boosting technological skills to homesteading to European history.

“OLLI is learning for the joy of it. There are no tests and no homework,” says Linda Robinson, vice president of marketing outreach for the institute. “Because curiosity never retires, OLLI is the ideal opportunity for people who want to continue their learning journey.”

For many members, the draw is the camaraderie. Robinson has been a Toastmaster and a volunteer in several other groups. She says her time at OLLI presents chances to develop new skills and meet new people. “Every year I make more new friends,” Robinson says. “It’s delightful to see friends every day of the week. Connecting with my new social community is stimulating and keeps my mind engaged.”

Finding like-minded, curious individuals to bond with is important for the mental health and wellness of everyone, says Dr. Jody Rawles, UC Irvine clinical professor of psychiatry and human behavior, particularly for those who are no longer working. “When you get to a certain point in life, you have to have a constant farm system of recruiting friends,” he says. “People move away, life changes, and you need a system to make new friends.”

There are OLLIs at more than 120 universities and colleges throughout the United States. The UC Irvine institute is run by a team at the Division of Continuing Education that’s made up entirely of volunteers. They put the schedule together, come up with the strategy, handle marketing and membership, and often lead classes too. Other presenters include UC Irvine professors, postdocs and Ph.D. students as well as community leaders and field experts.

“OLLI is an essential piece of the continuing education puzzle. We’re here to support learners in developing knowledge and skills and keeping their minds sharp,” says Krissy Collins, dean of continuing education. “As an open-enrollment division, we welcome all learners, no matter their age, motivation or interests.”

In 2016, the institute moved to its Irvine train station location, which has room for 150 people and the technology to ensure that every course is also available to remote participants. It was up and running just two weeks after the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, offering classes online to keep enrollees engaged.

OLLI is a key initiative of the Division of Continuing Education, which helps people gain knowledge, develop skills, and explore a wide range of courses and programs. While the division primarily focuses on professional learning, OLLI provides an option for anyone transitioning out of full-time work or simply interested in various topics. A membership drive is underway at OLLI, with a goal to reach 500 members. Spring registration starts Jan. 22 for classes that begin Feb. 17.

Robinson believes now is the time to get people involved, out of the house, and back into community groups and learning opportunities. “We want everyone to know about OLLI; we have so much to offer in learning, social engagement and fun,” she says. “We want people to know who we are. The way we do that is to be visible on electronic media and in mailboxes. Look for OLLI when you search for your next outing.”