Since its inaugural semester got underway in 1988, OLLI has been making a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of older Americans across the United States. Better still, the benefits go beyond that of simply learning new things; the social benefits of participating in OLLI at LSU classes are proving as important for maintaining good cognitive health as the educational activities themselves. The health benefits of being part of a strong community and participating in group activities are well-documented. Want proof? OLLI at LSU members are a living testament.
Ernest and Sonya Ayo, longtime members of the Felicianas chapter, first got involved with OLLI at LSU in 2016, shortly after the couple relocated to St Francisville to be closer to their daughter’s family. A retired physician, Ayo has been an active member of the OLLI at LSU community ever since, and has served as Vice President of the Felicianas chapter. But after ten years and dozens of classes, there’s one session that keeps Ayo coming back: “there are so many OLLI at LSU activities and classes, but I have taken yoga every session,” he says. Ayo notes that the session’s “Coffee with Speakers” gatherings cover a wide range of topics that seems to have something to offer for everyone. A popular offering from OLLI at LSU, these lectures feature guest speakers who address the group on their topic, then host an informal question and answer session. Past Coffee with Speakers sessions have featured a lecture on walking the Camino di Santiago pilgrimage trail, and an introduction to the extraordinary range services offered by the East Baton Rouge Parish library system.
One of OLLI at LSU’s most profound impacts on Ayo’s life has been the community-building and social benefits that membership provides. “OLLI has served as a conduit to meeting many people with similar interests, widening our social circle,” Ayo says. “It’s a great resource for the retired … research has documented that social contact is the most important factor in health and happiness in aging.” Not only is an OLLI at LSU membership one of the best gifts you can give yourself, it’s also a gift to the community—your presence is more important than you know. Register for the fall semester and explore classes HERE.
