UCLA
Age-Friendly University

Principle 5

To widen access to online educational opportunities for older adults to ensure a diversity of routes to participation.

1. OLLI at UCLA (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute): Offers non-credit enrichment courses for those aged 50+, delivered in in-person, live‑online, and hybrid formats

  • Course examples coming up (as of 2025):
    1. Art of the Middle Ages – Live Online (starts August 5)
    2. The Life and Works of Antoni Gaudí – Live Online (starts August 18)
    3. Film Noir and the Supernatural – In Person (starts August 5)
    4. Art Now: Virtual Visits with Working Artists – Hybrid (starts October 16)
  • Membership levels (2025–2026):
    • Basic: $50/year (standard course fees apply)
    • Plus: $295/year (significantly reduced course fees—no more than $40 per course—in addition to waived refund fees and free Taste of Osher courses).
    • Scholarships are available: Scholarships & Grants | UCLA Extension.

2. UCLA Longevity Center / Semel Institute: Focused on brain health and lifelong learning

  • Senior Scholars: Adults 50+ can audit regular UCLA undergraduate courses without exams or prerequisites—immersive academic experience at a reduced cost.
  • Memory Training, Brain Boosters, and Brain Boot Camp: Structured programs for memory enhancement and cognitive health.
  • Open Mind Series webinars featuring thought leaders in science and culture.

3. UCLA Extension Online Courses & Certificates: Hundreds of flexible online courses across Arts, Business, Tech, Writing, etc., accessible anytime through Canvas with instructor interaction

  • UCLAxOpen: Free, non‑credit online seminars and personal enrichment resources open to the public.
  • Age-based discount: Adults 65+ can receive a 25% tuition discount on UCLA Extension instructional costs.

4. PLATO Society of Los Angeles:Located in Westwood, just south of campus, this peer-led lifelong learning community conducts small, member-driven discussion groups across many disciplines—ideal for intellectually curious older adults seeking a social, discussion-based learning model.

5. LA County Library – Older Adults Programming:

  • Virtual learning opportunities accessible remotely: Silver STEAMers: Recorded STEAM-focused video sessions.
  • Access to LinkedIn Learning, Mango Languages, and Libby ebooks & magazines, all available free via library membership LA County Library.