Lifelong Learning Pursuits in Nashville Tennessee

BEST COLLEGE TOWNS IN AMERICA

It makes us smile to observe Baby Boomers are having the time of their lives in retirement.  After leaving their full-time careers, many of them in their 60's and 70's are returning to universities and colleges and are discovering how lifelong learning can be a great way to freshen their skills and meet people with similar backgrounds. In addition, there is solid proof that lifelong learning encourages brain fitness, retention of cognitive function and makes us happier. With more time on our hands at retirement, it's likely we'll master a special interest we didn't have time for before. In short, taking college classes is a great way to keep our brain in shape, have fun and stay young.

Members of the Baby Boom generation were, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, born between mid-1946 and 1964, making the earliest Boomers 67 years old and around retirement age.  Whether you’re retired yet or not, many Baby Boomers are on the move and mostly in search of warm climates in the best college towns. Cities throughout the south are very popular with retirees, including Austin, Raleigh and Nashville. 

Nashville isn’t just the Capital of Country Music; it is also one of the best places to live in Tennessee. In addition, Nashville is also great place to retire in Tennessee.  The city also boasts a bustling foodie and arts scene. Sports fans cheer for the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators.  The city is home to more than 20 college and universities that feature programs focused on lifelong learning.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Vanderbilt University provides community members with intellectual and cultural pursuits. Membership is open to anyone over the age of 50. There are no restrictions based on educational background.  OLLI offers non-credit college courses that allow students to benefit from invigorating lectures and discussions in an informal and relaxed environment.  OLLI college courses include:

• Anthropology
• Films
• History
• Music
• Opera
• Political Science
• Religion

Vanderbilt isn’t the only university catering to older students. Tennessee State University is partnering with a local community group to meet the needs of Nashville's growing baby boomer population. The university, through the College of Public Service and Urban Affairs, is collaborating with the College Hill Neighborhood group. The goal of the partnership, known as the TSU Footprint collaboration is to develop a life-long learning program that extends the institution’s reach into the surrounding communities to interact with, mentor and examine issues impacting the lives of seniors. 

Nearby Belmont University, Tennessee State College and Lipscomb Universities also offer continuing education and lifelong learning courses for students over age 50 near the most popular Nashville neighborhoods. 

Likewise, the Nashville community college also offers many opportunities to continue learning. Workforce and Community Development (WCD) at Nashville State Community College offers a wide spectrum of classes for personal enrichment. Programs are open to anyone in the community, including retirees. WCD offers continuing education courses to re-skill or advance the current workforce. The program offers the most up-to-date skills training available. WCD at the Nashville community college has been a recognized leader in the community for offering adult students continuing education to re-skill or build employee performance. 

Long before Nashville was known as ‘The Music City’, it was recognized for its contributions to education, making it one of the best places to live in Tennessee. The city is home to Vanderbilt University and was the first Southern city to establish a public school system.  These days, Nashville is putting an emphasis on helping its Baby Boomer population add a new chapter in their lives by focusing on lifelong learning. 

If you’re exploring Nasheville for the first time, and are looking for a place to retire in Tennessee in one of the best college towns, ask to receive our free Nashville relocation information to learn more about the area.