Aging doesn’t mean the end of intellectual challenges or creative pursuits. In fact, it’s just the opposite! One of the best parts of your golden years is the opportunity to learn a new skill or delve into an existing passion. There are plenty of unique classes and the opportunities for you to pursue new and old interests alike—here’s just a sample of what’s available.
engage your mind
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute: Washington University offers not-for-credit courses for adults ages 50 and older through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Course subjects include architecture, creative writing, history, film studies, economics, technology, music, philosophy, math and science. Interested students can sign up for an annual membership, which allows them to take multiple courses or register for individual classes. The best part? No grades or exams!
St. Louis Oasis: For almost four decades, St. Louis Oasis has been dedicated to improving the life of older seniors. A big piece of that is offering a wide variety of classes in topics like arts, history, technology, current events, health and exercise. It now offers a program called “Immersive Oasis,” which includes classes that take a deep dive into one topic for an entire trimester, in the spirit of a traditional college course.
Senior Planet From AARP: If online courses are more your speed, AARP has you covered. Its Senior Planet program offers virtual options to learn more about fitness, technology, business and wellness. All classes are specifically designed for adults 60 and older. You can learn how to launch an online business, enjoy a morning chair yoga routine or take a break for mindful meditation—all from the comfort of your home.
flex your creative muscles
Kitchen Conservatory: Spice things up with a cooking class! Kitchen Conservatory offers hundreds of options each year, both hands-on experiences and demonstrations. The courses are taught by culinary experts and cover everything from desserts to cuisines from around the world. Date night classes offer couples the opportunity to cook together, and the grandkids can get involved with sessions designed for adults and children age 7 and older.
Craft Alliance: If you’re looking to get crafty, you can’t go wrong with a class at Craft Alliance. The nonprofit offers seasonal workshops on a huge range of subjects. You can learn about blacksmithing, pottery, bookbinding, printmaking, basket weaving, quilting and more. There also are courses that spotlight international approaches to crafting.
St. Louis Artists’ Guild: Welcoming students at all stages of their artistic pursuits, St. Louis Artists’ Guild offers classes and workshops led by experienced instructors. The offerings focus on 2D media, painting, drawing and printmaking.
Third Degree Glass Factory: Interested in learning about glass blowing? You can schedule a two-and-half hour session with a skilled glass artisan to learn the craft at Third Degree Glass Factory. You can take the course solo or bring another person for no additional charge. For those looking for a less intensive introduction, Third Degree also offers classes centered on bead making and other simple projects through Craft Alliance.
get your hands dirty
Seed St. Louis: The nonprofit is dedicated to supporting community gardens, school gardens and urban orchards in neighborhoods throughout St. Louis. It also offers classes to provide people the tools to grow their own food. Seed St. Louis classes cover topics like gardening, fruit trees, urban agriculture and more.
Missouri Botanical Garden: Whether you’ve got a green thumb or struggle to keep a cactus alive, the Missouri Botanical Garden has a class for you. From gardening practices to nature study, there’s a full range of classes to take on your own or enjoy with friends and family.
Bowood Farms: The studio at Bowood Farms in the Central West End provides a space to explore, learn and create. Each month, it offers a rotating schedule of classes, workshops and events. Learn how to plant a terrarium, start a garden from seed, care for orchids or make your own clean beauty products. You also can explore a variety of crafts, such as watercolor, pottery or wreath making.