The academy meets at 10 different locations in Manatee/Sarasota
MANATEE -- Most gerontologists agree the human brain needs regular workouts to remain sharp.
Those signing up at fitness centers for the new year might also consider taking a class for their gray matter.
The Lifelong Learning Academy serving Manatee and Sarasota counties is holding open enrollment now for winter and spring 2016 semesters, which run Jan. 11 through April 28, said Janna Overstreet, LLA executive director and a gerontologist who studies all aspects of aging.
"I've done the research and I can tell you the benefits of lifelong learning are immense," Overstreet said Tuesday. "People can register for classes up until the first week of the first classes in mid-January."
Winter and spring semesters include more than 150 courses, she added.
"Our classes are very interactive," Overstreet said. "You are not just being lectured to. You're a part of the discussion. The purpose of lifelong learning is to gain new perspective on subjects you have very little knowledge of or have some knowledge but want to increase it."
Courses include: 20th century writings by Native Americans; Is baseball a business or sport?; play reading: the human experience; the joy and intrigue of street photography; and perspectives on the end of life.
The winter and spring semester also includes: Nureyev: personal memories of a genius.
Nureyev is a three-part workshop series presented by former Sarasota Ballet Director Robert de Warren at the Selby Auditorium on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Overstreet said.
Einstein Circles are open forums moderated by experts who promote engaging dialogue with the audience.
"Our teachers are often in their 70s or 80s and in the prime of their mental lives," Overstreet said. "Their minds are sharp. Students flock to their classes. Who better to learn from than someone who spent 30 years working in that field?"
The academy, going into its 18th year, started as a grassroots organization with a few retirees in Sarasota, Overstreet said.
"These professionals came down here to retire and got together and said to each other; 'You know, I will bet there are others out there who want to do more than play golf, eat and go to cultural events,' " Overstreet said.
New College and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee allowed them to hold classes on their combined campuses until the two schools split. Lifelong Learning Academy then went with USF Sarasota-Manatee, Overstreet said.
The academy became a private non-for-profit independent in 2009. Since 2013, it has grown by more than 40 percent and serves 3,000 people a year.
The academy will merge with Ringling College of Art and Design in June, Overstreet added. Its primary campus will move from USF Sarasota-Manatee to the historic Sarasota High School building when renovations are completed in fall 2017.
Despite its new future home base, the academy will continue conducting classes all over the area. In 2016, sessions will take place at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, State College of Florida in Lakewood Ranch, Center of Anna Maria on Anna Maria Island, Westminster Towers and Shores in Bradenton, Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez, Players Theatre in Sarasota, South Florida Museum, Art to Walk On Gallery in downtown Sarasota and the Edwards Building in north Sarasota, Overstreet said.
Register for academy classes by calling 941-359-4296 or going online at lla-sm.org, said Sue Byron, academy spokeswoman.
Class prices range from $35 to $85. Members get a 10 percent discount, Overstreet said.
Richard Dymond, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7072 or contact him via Twitter@RichardDymond.
This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 5:25 PM with the headline "The academy meets at 10 different locations in Manatee/Sarasota ."