"I’m in my late 50s, living in Dún Laoghaire and starting to think about retirement in a few years’ time. I’d like to keep my mind active and learn something new, but without taking on anything too formal or time-consuming.
What options might suit me?"
Brian begins his answers:
"For many people approaching retirement, the desire to keep mentally active sits alongside a very real reluctance to take on anything that feels overly formal, pressurised or time-consuming. That instinct is a sensible one. Learning at this stage of life should be stimulating and enjoyable, not something that recreates the stress or rigidity of earlier educational experiences.
One of the most accessible ways of re-engaging with learning, without making a major commitment, is through evening courses. These are typically designed for adults who have daytime commitments or who are simply looking to explore new interests in a manageable way. Most run for one evening a week, usually for an hour or two, and are commonly structured over a period of six to 10 weeks, making them easy to fit around existing routines. The emphasis is very much on participation rather than assessment..."
Brian goes on to recommend the Nightcourses.com national database of courses:
Brian is chair of the board of management at Dublin College Blackrock that has developed a substantial night school that reflects how adult learning works in practice and offers a wide variety of courses, evening courses and adult education Blackrock, South Dublin.
‘I’m in my 50s and would like to learn something new. What options are there?’ – The Irish Times
