The world never stops evolving, and neither should we. Just like physical fitness, mental fitness requires regular workouts.
Research on aging shows that engaging in new skills, such as learning an instrument or taking part in a Great Courses discussion program, can build cognitive reserve, which can slow decline, improve memory, and increase mental agility.
According to Harvard Health, cognitive reserve is the brain’s ability to improvise, adapt, and use alternative neural pathways to maintain function despite damage from aging, disease, or injury. It acts as a buffer or resilience mechanism, allowing individuals to stay cognitively sharp even when suffering from brain pathology, such as Alzheimer’s plaques or stroke damage.
Participating in discussion groups, classes, and skills workshops can help to combat loneliness by fostering new friendships and community connections.
The Great Courses series at the Estes Valley Community Center runs September through May on Monday mornings, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants watch two 30-minute video lectures from Great Courses classes, which consist of 24 or 36 lectures by university professors, some of whom have received outstanding teaching awards at their universities.
Recent courses in the series have included “Understanding Western Art: Stories, Styles, and Masterworks,” “Books that Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life,” and “Ancient Civilizations in North America.”
After watching a lecture, participants share their reactions and their related experiences.
The Great Courses series at the community center will start back up the Monday after Labor Day 2026. Participation is free to members of the center. Others may pay a $50 annual membership fee for Elevated Connections: Courses and Activities for Adults.
The community center also offers classes taught by local folks in a wide variety of subjects, such as cooking, line dancing, and painting. These classes require registration and payment of a modest fee.
Another resource is courses offered by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. The Learn with Us section of their website lists half-day and full-day classes, which require registration and payment of fees. Upcoming classes include “Volunteer to Protect Native Ecosystems,” “Historic Sites in Rocky Mountain National Park,” “Alpine Wildflowers of Rocky Mountain National Park,” “Wildlife in the High Country of Rocky Mountain National Park,” and “Watercolor Journaling in Kawuneeche Valley.” Many of these classes are very popular and fill up fast.
The Estes Valley Library also has a wealth of lifelong learning resources. In addition to printed books and digital collections, the library offers free access to databases and subscription services, including “Universal Class,” which offers more than 500 online courses with lessons, exams, assignments, discussion boards, and progress assessments; all courses are self-paced.
Every week, the library offers a slate of in-person and online programs in addition to events that provide lifelong learning opportunities.
Two upcoming offerings are “Verse in the Mountains: A Poetry Workshop Exploring Memory, Place, and Imagination” and “Unearth Your Curiosity: A Tiny Experiments Workshop.” Each week, the Estes Valley Voice publishes the library’s weekly schedule. While free, many of the library’s programs and events require registration.
The library’s makerspace also offers free training and programs on tools, including a laser cutter, 3D printers, sewing machines, and soldering stations, which are available for drop-in use by library cardholders who have taken the online orientation. Reservations for the laser cutter and 3D printers can be made during regular library hours, except when the room is reserved for a program or training class.
Finally, watch for information about the American Legion’s educational series in connection with the celebration of the 150th/250th anniversaries. The first three in the series include “The American Character” on Sunday, May 31, from 2 to 4 p.m.; “The American Revolution” on Monday, June 15, from 5 to 7 p.m.; and “Religion in the Formation of America” on Monday, June 29, from 5 to 7 p.m.
A myriad of diverse lifelong learning opportunities abound in Estes Park. Take advantage of them. Your brain will benefit while you may also make friends and form community connections.
You must be logged in to post a comment.