Special Programs and Continuing Education

As we enter the later decades of life, our attention turns increasingly to health. How can we maintain our physical strength, flexibility and balance? But keeping our brains healthy is just as important as retaining physical strength. Did you know there’s a fun way to do both? It’s the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Dayton. We call it UDOLLI.

What is UDOLLI?

The University of Dayton’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is part of a nationwide network of lifelong learning programs at colleges and universities across the nation. It is funded by an endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation and support from the University of Dayton.

In short, UDOLLI is:

What is lifelong learning?

Lifelong learning is the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one’s life, and it has emerged as a key factor in healthy aging. Lifelong learning helps protect us against cognitive decline. It builds emotional resilience. It provides ways to connect with like-minded people and make new friends.

Studies have shown that activities which stimulate our brains and engage us with other people can be important to maintaining cognitive health in later years. Embracing new ideas and learning complex skills can challenge our minds in valuable ways.

“As I aged, people often said ‘We all have an expiration date,’ but UDOLLI proved to me that curiosity has no expiration date. UDOLLI introduced me to new ideas, stimulating discussions, fun social events, and a community of lifelong learners who became my lifelong friends.”

— Fran O’Connor, UDOLLI member

AARP reported that researchers at the University of California, Riverside found that adults ages 58 to 86 who participated in multiple classes showed significant improvements in memory and cognitive performance. Those improvements continued after the classes ended.

Hated history? Terrified by trig? Now it’s time to learn what you want to know.

UDOLLI offers hundreds of different seminars each year to adults aged 50 and up. These seminars are specially designed for the enjoyment of learning. There are no tests and no grades. Participants are not auditing college classes, but engaging in topics that pique their curiosity.

Seminar topics include history and social science, art and photography, literature, finance and economics, health and wellness, computers and digital technology, current events, film and theatre, travel, sports and leisure.

“I'm at the point of my life when I don't learn because I have to, but because I want to. UDOLLI offers a variety of seminar topics to satisfy anyone's curiosity.”

— Tom Gaudion, UDOLLI member

Hear from experts. Learn with friends.

“UDOLLI has enabled me to make new friends, learn from moderators and students of all different backgrounds, and take all the history and literature seminars I want, without exams. Members can also become moderators and share their talents and avocation with others without having to grade papers.”

— Barbara Denison, UDOLLI member

Courses are taught by volunteers who are experts in their fields. Some are retired professors, while others are professionals from the worlds of business, nonprofits, clergy and the military.

Most seminars are produced locally. But in 2025, UDOLLI began offering Zoom seminars hosted by other Osher Institutes as well. This provides even greater access to academic expertise and perspectives from across the country.

Although the knowledge we gain is valuable, just as important are the relationships we form with other UDOLLI members. Classes and workshops provide opportunities to meet people and foster friendships. Even when classes are taken on Zoom, participants can discuss concepts and encounter new points of view.

Our classrooms lead to connection.

While older adults living in retirement communities may have built-in opportunities to connect with peers, those living at home may find it more difficult to socialize. UDOLLI provides a regular place to gather, talk and gain confidence through exposure to other lively minds.

It’s also a place to explore common concerns and practical questions—whether learning ways to combat computer fraud, mastering a new smartphone or discovering something completely unexpected.

Not all seminars take place in a classroom. Some courses include walks in the park, nature workshops, tai chi lessons, biking, architectural tours and more. These experiences can combine learning, social interaction and physical activity.

“In addition to lively interaction while we attend UDOLLI seminars, it’s also fun to see our colleagues at various events in the Dayton area. UDOLLI members are interesting people who seek in-class and out-of-class activities.”

— Brian Butcher, UDOLLI member

Improve your quality of life.

Quality of life means more than financial security and physical health. But just what does make life meaningful as we grow older?

Researchers in Singapore explored that question in a survey of 300 adults age 65 and older. The study examined quality of life, life satisfaction and psychological wellbeing.

Researchers found a positive association between lifelong learning and measures of quality of life and life satisfaction. Participation in activities such as singing, dancing, music and exercise was also associated with measures of wellbeing.