Lifelong Learning Never Retires: Inside Curiosity University at The Village at Germantown

Just like nourishing the body is key to physical fitness, nourishing the mind cultivates cognitive wellness at every age. Studying different languages, staying abreast of current events or exploring a thought-provoking topic can boost memory and problem-solving skills by creating new pathways in the brain. No wonder older adults more than ever are committing themselves to learning every day.

At The Village at Germantown senior living community, retirement is a time to absorb new ideas and engage with others who share an inquisitive spirit. When it comes to lifelong learning, The Village has one big ace up its sleeve: Curiosity University, an on-campus enrichment program where residents gather to watch lectures, history presentations and much more. We sat down with Resident Services Assistant Mark Brown for a deeper dive into how Curiosity University promotes intellectual vibrancy and meaningful connections.

If You Build it, They Will Come

Mark’s career in senior living spans more than 30 years, and he’s discovered a thing or two about lifelong learning during that time. “Many years ago, I was working at a community in Midtown Memphis that had several retired professors living there,” he explains. “They made it clear they didn’t want retirement to keep them from expanding their horizons, so we decided to build in some educational programming.”

“The response was phenomenal,” Mark continues. “Everyone in the building attended—and we learned that if you present quality programming, residents will want to participate.”

Fast forward to 2021. Now part of The Village staff, Mark was tasked with putting together engaging programs for residents, and he was confident that Curiosity University would be an excellent fit.

“Back then, it was called ‘One Day University,’ but the basic format is still the same,” Mark says. “The programs are held in our theater, and consist of a brief introduction, followed by a video lecture and discussion. There’s a whole gamut of topics available, but one thing never changes: It’s always a packed house.”

Learning Without Limits

Another thing Mark has observed over the years is that there’s truly no age limit when it comes to learning. “The idea that you don’t want to learn anything new once you’re 65 and retired is absurd,” he says. “Residents in their sixties, seventies, eighties and beyond are always telling me they want more knowledge, not less.”

Thanks to Curiosity University, there are also no limits to what folks here can learn about. “We have many accomplished residents in our senior living community who give lectures about their areas of expertise, and that’s amazing. But through Curiosity University, we can host educational programs about any topic under the sun,” Mark says.

And there’s certainly no shortage of topics to explore. Mark is excited to share several Curiosity University programs coming up in the weeks and months ahead:

• Masterpieces of Art that Changed All the Rules
• The Middle East & Global Security
• The Women Who Ruled the World (3,500 years ago)
• American Palaces: The Age of Opulence

“Sometimes residents will suggest topics, and we’ll work to make it happen,” Mark says. “Anything that has to do with World War II always draws a crowd because that was a transformative event that shaped their generation.”

Where Curiosity Creates Social Connections

The benefits of lifelong learning also include social wellness—another dimension of wellness that’s critical to healthy aging. Exploring fascinating subjects with other eager learners offers valuable opportunities to form lasting friendships. What’s more, staying up to date with current events, new perspectives and evolving technologies can help seniors become more open-minded about new experiences and people.

Mark says he’s seen this dynamic in action countless times during Curiosity University. “We typically have 30 or more people at each program, and they’re not just listening to the lecture. They’re discussing the material and taking part in some spirited—yet friendly—debate,” he points out.

“It’s almost like a university classroom, and it’s a key piece of our very full activities calendar.”

Intellectual Wellness: Part of the Fabric of Life at The Village

“For far too long, senior living communities were perceived as boring ‘old folks’ homes,’” Mark says. “But people come to The Village at Germantown to live with vigor. Curiosity University is one more way that The Village empowers residents to maintain an active mind, pursue new interests and surround themselves with peers who share a passion for lifelong learning.”

Come see why so many members of The Village family wish they had moved here sooner. Call 901-737-4242 to learn more and schedule a tour.