Las Vegas woman out to show retirees it’s never too late to learn

Leila Navidi

Elise Hanseman organizes classes and learning opportunities for retired seniors through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNLV’s Paradise campus, earning her the Humana Starlight Award.

By Emily Richmond

Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009 | 2 a.m.

For 10 years Elise Hanseman has been promoting the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNLV as a way for retirees to stay active and learn about various subjects in their free time. For her efforts to boost the program, known as OLLI, the 79-year-old Las Vegas resident has earned the inaugural Humana Starlight Award, which recognizes efforts of senior citizen volunteers in Clark and Nye counties. Humana, the Louisville, Ky.-based health insurance company, will donate $10,000 to the OLLI program.

There are more than 500 students taking OLLI classes. How is the program managed?

The organizers do it for the love of learning and the camaraderie, which is tremendous. In addition to the study groups, we have social events and outings. Anyone who has an idea for a study group is welcome to suggest it.

Are the class instructors qualified?

They might not have teaching certificates, but they are all well versed in their fields — we’ve had doctors, lawyers, retired military and business leaders. We’re offering 35 classes right now, and the hardest part is deciding which to pick. I’d take a class every day, if I had the time.

Who can participate?

There is no age requirement for OLLI, although participants must be semiretired or retired. Tuition is $55 per semester, and you can join up to 10 study groups. Our locations are at UNLV, Sun City Aliante, Sun City MacDonald Ranch and the Las Ventanas retirement community. In the spring we’re adding classes in Mesquite and Sun City Summerlin.

Why was I surprised to learn about this program?

People think most seniors come to Las Vegas strictly for the gambling and the fun things. But the truth is we do like to learn and keep our brains working. That’s what keeps us vital.

You have study groups on Shakespeare, philosophy and economics. What about learning opportunities that focus on more day-to-day issues?

We’re doing a wonderful caregiver series right now with the UNLV gerontology department with experts from the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. We have a lot of community partners, and we all help each other.

Were you a good student growing up?

You know what, I wasn’t (laughs). I’ve learned a lot just by being alive, but I do regret that I did not go to college. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why I now find my classes so invigorating.