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The Senior Scholars program helps combat isolation by encouraging learning and social connection. “Social interaction is the No. 1 issue related to staying healthy,” said Rosemarie Lamm, executive director of the Rath Senior Center. “The elderly are very much prone to loneliness, lack of socialization and the development of illness … The more people know about their bodies, their minds, their health and their community, the happier they’re going to be in their later years.”
Most popular class? Tuesday’s Computer Skills for Seniors. “If you’re not conversing with your computer, you can’t order things online, you can’t book flights — it’s a matter of survival,” Lamm said.
How to register:
- Dates: Feb.17-March 28.
- Cost: $60 per class, which may be paid with cash or check on the day the class begins.
- Scholarships: Needs-based scholarships are available.
- Location: College Heights United Methodist Church, 942 South Blvd., Lakeland.
- Registration: To register, call (863) 220-7002. Walk-ins are welcome for the first week, but please register in advance for classes after the first week. Registration closes Feb. 21.
Class lineup:
- Saging: A Journey Through Life (Mondays, 1-3 p.m.): Exploring wisdom and legacy. Instructor: Chuck Warren
- Computer Skills for Seniors (Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-noon): Staying connected in the digital age. Instructor: Randall Munsters
- Through the Lens of Frank Lloyd Wright (Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.): Architectural history of Lakeland and Florida Southern College. Instructor: Jack Coffee
- Thriving in the 21st Century (Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m.): Using key mindsets and your talents and skills to live a purposeful life, “realizing the wealth that one has gained in living.“ Instructor: Myron Harvey, Ph.D.
- Life Writing (Thursdays, 1-3 p.m.): Capturing life history through journaling. Instructor: Mary Flekke, MSL
- Masters Class: New York, New York (Fridays, 1-3 p.m.): History and music of Broadway. Instructors: Floyd Love and Adam Hargrove
Rosemarie Lamm represents the Rath Center on the board of Lakeland’s Senior Hub. Beyond Senior Scholars, the Rath Senior Connextions Center is advocating for a dedicated senior center in Lakeland. “We have done a wonderful job connecting seniors to lifelong learning and essential services over the past 20 years,” Lamm said. “Polk County is growing rapidly, and we need to expand our reach.”
Founded in 2004, the Rath Senior Connextions Center has spent two decades connecting seniors with resources and education. Originally part of the University of South Florida, it became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2013. The organization is fully volunteer-run, relying on donations and program fees to continue its mission. “We connect seniors and their families with services they may need,” said Lamm.
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