Framingham State University (FSU) has received a $14,000 grant from BayPath Elder Services to hire an outreach coordinator to expand the free Adventures in Lifelong Learning Program to isolated seniors, as well as those from underrepresented communities.

FSU has been running the Adventures in Lifelong Learning Program in partnership with Framingham Public Library since 2011. The goal of the program is to decrease social isolation among seniors while keeping them active and healthy, nurturing their intellect and creativity, and promoting their well-being.

"Social isolation is a pressing concern for older adults and can lead to physical illness, depression and cognitive decline," says Dr. Yaser Najjar, Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education at FSU. "This issue has only grown worse during the current pandemic. We are grateful to BayPath Elder Services for this generous grant, which will allow us to expand this popular program to even more seniors."

Adventures in Lifelong Learning is a series of free classes for older adults that addresses isolation through exciting programming, academic enrichment, and intellectual and social stimulation. Courses are offered for four weeks in the fall and spring of each year, and three weeks during the winter. Classes in art, literature, history, politics, music appreciation, film, movement, nutrition, and health education are taught by FSU faculty and local experts. The popular program reaches about 200 seniors annually.

Since the start of the pandemic, courses have been offered remotely. To learn more, click here.