Wind Crest Residents Have Fun While Learning--Right on Campus!

Students aren't the only ones going back to school this fall! At Wind Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., residents are eagerly signing up for classes through the Learners Group.

"Many residents want to keep their minds active, so having educational classes here is exactly what we need," says Doug Willey, chairman of the resident-led Steering Committee for the Learners Group. 

Tapping into passions

Learners Group classes are led by residents--no teaching experience necessary.

"What we count on is people's interests," says Doug. "If they know enough about a particular subject to teach a class, we'll give them the opportunity."

Doug himself is a great example. Although he has a degree in psychology, he pursued a career as a systems engineer at IBM. Now, he teaches a class called Mental Fitness. "I put the course together because I'm passionate about it," he explains.

"We have an awful lot of expertise in this community--everyone from retired college professors to engineers and scientists," he adds.

Resident Tom Schmugge facilitates a class about water--covering its properties, how it defines our temperature scale and unit of energy, the distribution between freshwater and oceans, the current status of groundwater, and more. His lectures include a video from the U.S. Geological Survey.

"I don't have a background in teaching it, but I worked at NASA and the Department of Agriculture Research Service," he says. "It's a subject I enjoy."

Variety of subjects

The Learners Group holds three semesters a year--winter, summer, and fall. Classes last anywhere from four to eight weeks, and the topics are nearly endless.

Some offered this year were Writing the Story of Your Life; Women in the Bible; Barbershop Music Appreciation; Classical Music since 1900; Another Random Walk Through the Universe; Intermediate iPhone; Intermediate Bridge; Islam: Then and Now; Shakespeare for Seniors; Founding Mothers and Fathers; Pirates in the Golden Age; Money Changes Everything; and The Four Corners Region--Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.

A few classes are "samplers," which means that a new facilitator presents a lecture on a different but related topic each week. Recent samplers have been Science & Technology and How an Artist Goes From an Idea to a Painting.

"I've organized a sampler class on Colorado and contributed to a science sampler class a number of times," says Tom.

No homework required

Unlike classes in high school or college, there is no homework--and no grades!

For discussion-heavy classes, facilitators may request to limit the class size to about 30 so that each participant has the opportunity to share their opinions and ask questions.

Like other clubs and groups at Wind Crest, anyone can sign up to take classes. Students contribute $10 per year, which covers course expenses, and they can take up to three courses each semester.

"Only a few people choose to take three because everyone is involved in so many other activities on campus," says Doug. "But they can if they want to!"

Expanding the program

The groups' volunteers request proposals from teachers before each semester to compile a schedule of classes. Next, they create a document containing a description of each class, when it will be held, what room it's in, and the maximum class size. It's then sent to Learners Group members, who can register for classes online.

Facilitators often use slides, videos, and other technology to enhance their presentations, and resident audiovisual specialists volunteer to make sure everything runs smoothly. Classes last an hour to 90 minutes and take place in the morning or in the afternoon. 

In the past, classes were just Monday through Friday, but Saturdays have recently been added as well. The Learners Group has become so popular that, some years, over one thousand residents--more than half the community's population--signed up for courses. 

"Classes are so in-demand, and many more residents are offering to teach new ones," Doug says. "Wind Crest is such an active community! We are happy to bolster the program." 

Keeping an active mind

Resident Channie Peters really enjoys them. She has taken a number of classes, including History of the Ukraine to the Present, Birding, Water, Protecting Colorado's Land and Water, and two science sampler classes.

"Residents here have retired from extraordinary careers and have a wealth of experience. It's incredibly generous that they are willing to share it with everyone," Channie says. "I love learning and keeping my mind strong and active!"

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

FLOOR PLAN: 

Eaton

One bedroom, one and a half bath with balcony

The Eaton features modern fixtures, contemporary finishes, and a thoughtful design that feels open and airy--perfect for entertaining friends and family. 

Request a brochure to learn more about our floor plan options, which come in a range of sizes to meet every need and budget.