The Elderhostel Organization is answering the urges of today's active seniors who desire to continue learning and traveling during their retirement years. Founded in 1975, Elderhostel annually serves hundreds of thousands of older adult students (55 and up) in its residential educational programs throughout the world. Elderhostel also offers opportunities for volunteering in the public interest, and supports a network of over 250 independent community-based Institutes for Learning in Retirement.

In a typical Elderhostel program, participants might explore the charming city of New Orleans, studying its history, architecture, and cuisine as they were influenced by a mingling of early cultures. Or they might travel to Belize in South America to collect data on dolphins and manatees as part of an organized effort to establish a marine sanctuary. Lodging is usually in hotels, and participants traveling alone can request a single room (at most programs) or share accommodations with a roommate. Life-long friendships often develop as a result of this shared experience.

The Institutes for Learning in Retirement offer learning opportunities closer to home. Operating in affiliation with colleges and universities, the Institute aims to serve adults in the local community by offering non-credit academic programs geared to their interests and talents. The Institute endorses the concept that most older adults value education, aspire to lifelong learning, are self-motivated learners, and are eager to accept educational challenges. An Institute for Learning in Retirement thus becomes a center for intellectual and social activity that welcomes older adults into the life of the local university and links its members to a community beyond the classroom.

There is an Institute for Learning in Retirement in your community at the University of Cincinnati ( 513-556-9174 ). For more information on Elderhostel programs contact Elderhostel, Inc. in Boston at (toll-free) 1-877-426-8056 or visit their web site.