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Robin Fuxa cuts the ribbon during a celebration organized by the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute on the OSU campus.
OSHER INSTITUTE ENGAGES OLDER ADULTS IN MIND-GROWING CLASSES
As the number of retirees and older adults swell in Stillwater and beyond, it seems there are plenty of fitness centers, physical therapy clinics and personal trainers to help keep their bodies in shape. But what about keeping their minds sharp and active?
“ Stimulating the mind is vital for older adults. It actively builds cognitive reserve, helps delay memory decline and lowers the risk of conditions like dementia. Meaningful mental engagement also boosts mood, increases emotional resilience, and fosters independence,” according to the National Institute on Aging.
It seems like there could not be a better time for the Osher Lifelong Institute offered by Oklahoma State University.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year,
OLLI for two decades has offered non-credit classes for older adults in the arts, sciences, history, technology, current events and more.
“ Learning is a constant and important human need,” said OLLI Director Robin Fuxa.“ It does more than improve our cognitive skills. It feeds our curiosity. It helps us be engaged in the world around us.”
Classes are offered in Stillwater, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and Fuxa’ s team is working to expand the availability of online classes.
“ I’ m thrilled that in addition to our own programming, we’ re gaining access to Osher Online, a slate of 20 to 30 courses each season from the OLLI National Resource Center,” Fuxa said.“ This access begins fall 2026 and will also be offered spring, summer, and a newly added winter session. As a land grant institution, we are always
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