How to Access Free Lectures for Older Adults

Date : 30-05-21

Staying busy and keeping your mind sharp is an essential part of wellness in retirement. Research shows that taking part in lifelong learning opportunities has many benefits, including regenerating neurons in your brain, increasing self-esteem, supporting your mental health, and keeping you socially and physically active in later life.

Below, we share a few ways you can participate in free courses and lectures either independently or with other older adults in Toronto.

1. TEDx Talks and TED-Ed

TEDx Talks have been a long-time favourite for people looking to hear interesting perspectives on various topics. Talks are presented by people who have an inspiring personal story or experts in a specific field of study.

TEDx Toronto offers events for a small registration fee, but you can also access thousands of recorded TEDx Talks on YouTube for free. In addition to English lectures, they also offer some French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese lectures.

TED-Ed offers shorter animated videos that explain how different things work. If you’ve ever wondered how a wind turbine produces energy or been interested in the art of origami, TED-Ed could be the right learning channel for you. It’s perfect for older adults who have a curious mind and an interest in lifelong learning. It is also free on YouTube.

2. Toronto Public Library

The Toronto Public Library (TPL) offers many programs, events, lectures, and author talks are open to everyone in Toronto for free or a nominal registration fee. Topics vary and cover health and wellness, hobbies and crafts, small business skills, and personal finance. Educational sessions and programs for older adults are also offered with topics varying throughout the year.

With a TPL library card, you can gain access to LinkedIn Learning which provides over 16,000 video tutorial courses led by experts. Typically, a subscription costs around $35 per month, but you can get it for free through the library. No matter what you are interested in, you can likely find it on LinkedIn Learning.

3. Massive Online Course Offerings (MOOCs)

Suppose you are looking for more academic courses with a syllabus you can follow. There are many MOOC platforms like Academic Earth that offer thousands of free online courses from top universities like Harvard and Oxford. You can filter by subject and increase your knowledge from psychology to graphic design to biomedical engineering.

Other free online learning platforms you can explore are Coursera and Alison.com. Khan Academy is unique because it offers all levels of learning from kindergarten to grade 12, making it a great option if you want to pursue your learning while helping your grandchildren study over the summer.

4. The LIFE Institute at Ryerson University

Suppose you prefer a lifelong learning program for older adults in Toronto, Ontario, that offers more than education. In that case, The LIFE Institute at Ryerson University could be an excellent fit for you.

The LIFE Institute is an easy way to attend free lectures, meet other older adults, and get involved in clubs and other events. Your low-cost annual membership also gives you access to facilities at Ryerson University for an authentic campus experience.

Learn about the benefits of LIFE membership or reach out to us for more information. We’re happy to welcome you to our community of older adults who are dedicated to later life learning!