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Media
Backgrounder
September 10, 2003
The North Carolina Center for
Creative Retirement
Distinct among lifelong
learning programs for older adults, the N.C. Center for Creative
Retirement, now in its 15th year, stands out because of its
comprehensive approach to challenging the minds of a new breed of
active retiree. Though there are at least 300 self-organized,
peer-led lifelong learning programs associated with colleges and
universities in the United States (and countless others across the
globe), none offers the combination of peer-taught, educational
courses; a community leadership seminar; opportunities for
intergenerational learning and service; seminars on whether, when
and where to retire; travel/learning opportunities; and even a
chance to contribute to books and professional journals about the
new world of retirement. By engaging retirement-aged individuals’
multiple interests and concerns, NCCCR has become a national, even
international, model program.
NCCCR Director Ron Manheimer attributes the center’s forward
thinking to its planners, both experts and volunteer members, who
understand that retirement in the U.S. has changed dramatically as
people live longer and healthier lives, and are better educated.
“Our planners are visionaries. They recognize that retirement is no
longer just an event where you get a handshake and a watch,” said
Manheimer. “Retirement is a process filled with transitions. People
retire and go back to work -- maybe multiple times. They use
education to open up new interests, meet new people. They’re going
off for adventure travel. Volunteering has become a way to give
back, to make new friends, and to learn about an aspect of your
community. Similarly, we strive to engage people on all these
levels.”
Quick Facts on NCCCR Programs
• Leadership Asheville
Seniors -- Begun in 1987, Leadership Asheville Seniors
encourages retirement-age people to actively participate in the
Asheville-Buncombe County community. The program, through seven
daylong sessions, explores leadership styles and teamwork, and
examines issues related to local government, neighborhoods,
education, the arts, economic development and the environment. The
program has 480 graduates.
Contacts --
Program Director: Denise Snodgrass, NCCCR Assistant Director,
828/251-6188
Participants: Carolyn Hubbard, who participated last year and
is now involved with the KIPP Academy, 828/225-0670; and Lettie
Polite, participated seven years ago and is now part of each year’s
planning process, received Leadership Asheville Forum’s Circle of
Excellence Award last May, 828/258-3507
• The College for Seniors -- Begun in 1988 with five classes
and 160 students, the program has grown to more than 200 classes and
1,000 students every year. The program offers fall and spring terms;
a successful summer term was added two years ago. Courses, open to
those 50 and older, are suggested by College for Seniors members and
taught by highly qualified peer seniors. Among this fall’s faculty
are David Carey, Rhodes scholar and former U.N. correspondent,
teaching “100 Decisive Events in History”; David Swain, who spent 40
years with university programs in Japan, teaching “Korea in the 20th
Century”; and Cleve Mathews, former New York Times editor and
National Public Radio news director, teaching “Media and War.”
Contact –
Program Director: Ann Bass, College for Seniors director,
828/251-6873
• Intergenerational Learning – Every year, NCCCR and UNCA
offer courses designed for a mix of traditional undergraduates and
older adults. Last year, UNCA Literature Professor Rick Chess taught
a course on Creative Writing, which had 10 older adults and 15
undergraduates. The age mix stimulated the imagination of old and
young and provided raw material for creating characters who stepped
out of different generations. This fall, Ron Manheimer, NCCCR
director and member of UNCA’s Philosophy Department, is teaching a
freshman colloquium, “Wisdom and Desire,” which has 17 freshmen and
15 students over the age of 50.
Contact --
Program Director: Ron Manheimer, NCCCR executive director,
828/232-5180
• Intergenerational Computer Literacy Program – Begun in
2001, the Smith Barney Intergenerational Computer Literacy Program
provides computer skills training for low-income and minority older
adults and is taught by UNCA students. Eight sessions of the program
have been held; a new session starts in October. The program has 180
graduates. The program is funded in part by a grant from the Western
North Carolina offices of Smith Barney in conjunction with Citigroup
Foundation.
Contacts --
Program Director: Denise Snodgrass, NCCCR assistant director,
828/251-6188
Program Graduates: Carolynn Cohron 274-7778; Mary Alston, 277-7535
UNCA student who has taught in the program: Ashley Luck, 255-7155
• Paths to a Creative Retirement in Uncertain Times – This
workshop, held this past August 29-31 for the second year, is part
of NCCCR’s new thrust to offer seminars on retirement transitions to
a national audience. The workshop is designed to help people (mainly
those in their 50s who are still working) explore the range of
possibilities and issues related to retirement, consecutive careers,
personal dreams and work patterns. Participants from 14 states
attended the workshop this year.
Contact --
Program Director: Ron Manheimer, NCCCR executive director,
828/232-5180
• Un-Retirement Option – Started as a pilot program in 2000,
this workshop helps individuals successfully transition to a new
career. Participants explore work goals, skills, the
intergenerational world of work, community resources and
entrepreneurial possibilities.
Contact --
Program Director: Ron Manheimer, NCCCR executive director,
828/232-5180
Participant: Joanne Johnston, 298-5771
• Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend – Now in its 13th
year, this annual seminar has hosted more then 1,700 people from
across the U.S. who are considering retirement or who have recently
retired. Two and a half days of seminars, guided bus tours and
small-group discussions provide participants with important
information to aid their decision-making process, whether they
decide to move to Western North Carolina or elsewhere.
Contacts --
Program Director: Ron Manheimer, NCCCR executive director,
828/232-5180
Jim and Marcy Hegglund, 253-7389
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