The North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement

Distinct among lifelong learning programs for older adults, the N.C. Center for Creative Retirement, now in its 15th year, stands out because of its comprehensive approach to challenging the minds of a new breed of active retiree. Though there are at least 300 self-organized, peer-led lifelong learning programs associated with colleges and universities in the United States (and countless others across the globe), none offers the combination of peer-taught, educational courses; a community leadership seminar; opportunities for intergenerational learning and service; seminars on whether, when and where to retire; travel/learning opportunities; and even a chance to contribute to books and professional journals about the new world of retirement. By engaging retirement-aged individuals' multiple interests and concerns, NCCCR has become a national, even international, model program.

NCCCR Director Ron Manheimer attributes the center's forward thinking to its planners, both experts and volunteer members, who understand that retirement in the U.S. has changed dramatically as people live longer and healthier lives, and are better educated. "Our planners are visionaries. They recognize that retirement is no longer just an event where you get a handshake and a watch," said Manheimer. "Retirement is a process filled with transitions. People retire and go back to work -- maybe multiple times. They use education to open up new interests, meet new people. They're going off for adventure travel. Volunteering has become a way to give back, to make new friends, and to learn about an aspect of your community. Similarly, we strive to engage people on all these levels."

Quick Facts on NCCCR Programs

• Leadership Asheville Seniors -- Begun in 1987, Leadership Asheville Seniors encourages retirement-age people to actively participate in the Asheville-Buncombe County community. The program, through seven daylong sessions, explores leadership styles and teamwork, and examines issues related to local government, neighborhoods, education, the arts, economic development and the environment. The program has 480 graduates. 
  
  Contacts -- 
  Program Director: Denise Snodgrass, NCCCR Assistant Director, 828/251-6188
  Participants: Carolyn Hubbard, who participated last year and is now involved with the KIPP Academy, 828/225-0670; and Lettie Polite, participated seven years ago and is now part of each year's planning process, received Leadership Asheville Forum's Circle of Excellence Award last May, 828/258-3507
  
  
• The College for Seniors -- Begun in 1988 with five classes and 160 students, the program has grown to more than 200 classes and 1,000 students every year. The program offers fall and spring terms; a successful summer term was added two years ago. Courses, open to those 50 and older, are suggested by College for Seniors members and taught by highly qualified peer seniors. Among this fall's faculty are David Carey, Rhodes scholar and former U.N. correspondent, teaching "100 Decisive Events in History"; David Swain, who spent 40 years with university programs in Japan, teaching "Korea in the 20th Century"; and Cleve Mathews, former New York Times editor and National Public Radio news director, teaching "Media and War."
  
  Contact- 
  Program Director: Ann Bass, College for Seniors director, 828/251-6873
  
  
• Intergenerational Learning - Every year, NCCCR and UNCA offer courses designed for a mix of traditional undergraduates and older adults. Last year, UNCA Literature Professor Rick Chess taught a course on Creative Writing, which had 10 older adults and 15 undergraduates. The age mix stimulated the imagination of old and young and provided raw material for creating characters who stepped out of different generations. This fall, Ron Manheimer, NCCCR director and member of UNCA's Philosophy Department, is teaching a freshman colloquium, "Wisdom and Desire," which has 17 freshmen and 15 students over the age of 50. 
  
  Contact -- 
  Program Director: Ron Manheimer, NCCCR executive director, 828/232-5180
  
  
• Intergenerational Computer Literacy Program - Begun in 2001, the Smith Barney Intergenerational Computer Literacy Program provides computer skills training for low-income and minority older adults and is taught by UNCA students. Eight sessions of the program have been held; a new session starts in October. The program has 180 graduates. The program is funded in part by a grant from the Western North Carolina offices of Smith Barney in conjunction with Citigroup Foundation. 
  
  Contacts -- 
  Program Director: Denise Snodgrass, NCCCR assistant director, 828/251-6188
  Program Graduates: Carolynn Cohron 274-7778; Mary Alston, 277-7535
  UNCA student who has taught in the program: Ashley Luck, 255-7155
  
  
• Paths to a Creative Retirement in Uncertain Times - This workshop, held this past August 29-31 for the second year, is part of NCCCR's new thrust to offer seminars on retirement transitions to a national audience. The workshop is designed to help people (mainly those in their 50s who are still working) explore the range of possibilities and issues related to retirement, consecutive careers, personal dreams and work patterns. Participants from 14 states attended the workshop this year. 
  
  Contact -- 
  Program Director: Ron Manheimer, NCCCR executive director, 828/232-5180
  
  
• Un-Retirement Option - Started as a pilot program in 2000, this workshop helps individuals successfully transition to a new career. Participants explore work goals, skills, the intergenerational world of work, community resources and entrepreneurial possibilities. The next six-session seminar will be held in October. 
  
  Contact -- 
  Program Director: Ron Manheimer, NCCCR executive director, 828/232-5180
  Participant: Joanne Johnston, 298-5771
  
  
• Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend - Now in its 13th year, this annual seminar has hosted more then 1,700 people from across the U.S. who are considering retirement or who have recently retired. Two and a half days of seminars, guided bus tours and small-group discussions provide participants with important information to aid their decision-making process, whether they decide to move to Western North Carolina or elsewhere. 
  
  Contacts -- 
  Program Director: Ron Manheimer, NCCCR executive director, 828/232-5180
  Participants: Jim and Marcy Hegglund, 253-7389