Never too old...

Posted by Terry McNichols

Here is a story about a 96-year-old man in Taiwan who just received his master's degree in philosophy. And a short quote from the story:

Chao Mu-he, better known to his classmates at Nanhua University in southern Taiwan as "Grandpa Chao," said he began graduate school after being told he was too old to continue as a volunteer at a local hospital. "I was bored after I left the hospital," Chao said Thursday. "I don't play mahjong or have other hobbies. I felt I had to do something with my life."

Are you bored? Looking for a new direction? How about going back to school? How about applying for a senior tuition waiver? Here is a site that lists resources on a state-by-state basis, however the Washington State listing is very incomplete. As a matter of personal interest, I checked out the University of Washington and Shoreline Community College to see what they each had to offer for seniors. Both offer tuition waivers for seniors, 60 or over, to attend up to two classes per quarter, as auditors. There are small application fees ($5 in these cases) and some classes have other facilities fees, but what a bargain. I'm sure that community colleges and universities in other areas must offer the same waivers.

Western Washington University, in Bellingham, offers the Academy for Lifelong Learning (no age restriction) and has a branch in Seattle at North Seattle Community College for those 55 and older. These classes have fees (around $25-50) and offer many interesting opportunities.

Hmm. Looks like I, too, might have "to do something with my life!"
(Photo by Wesley Fryer, shared via Flickr)