Why Lifelong Learning Matters — andHow Santa Marta Brings It to Life With OSHER The idiom, “You can’t teach an old dog new

The idiom, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” originated in 1546 and is considered one of the oldest idioms in the English language. And while you may still hear it today, countless seniors continue to show that age has nothing to do with the ability to learn.

At Santa Marta, we’ve learned firsthand that today’s older adults are curious and seek out meaningful experiences and opportunities for growth. That’s why we’ve partnered with the OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute through Jayhawk Global to bring university-level courses directly to our community.

What Is Lifelong Learning?

Lifelong learning recognizes that people of all ages have a natural drive to explore, learn, and grow. While there is no standardized definition, lifelong learning generally refers to education that occurs outside of a formal educational institution — such as a school, university, or corporate training program — and is focused on personal fulfillment.

The Benefits of Lifelong Learning for Seniors

Senior lifelong learning programs not only expand your knowledge, but also offer benefits beyond the classroom, including improvements in these vital areas:

• Increased neuron generation: Learning something new has been found to stimulate greater neuron formation, leading to more connections in the brain. Neurons are responsible for sending information throughout the body, and increased activity can positively affect memory, attention, thinking, and reasoning skills.
• Reduced risk of dementia: Increased neuron activity can help maintain and enhance brain health. Activities like learning a new language, mastering a new gardening technique, and other forms of cognitive stimulation may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
• Less stress: Simply reading a book or practicing an instrument can decrease muscle tension and blood pressure. Lower stress levels can help you better cope with challenging situations and life changes.
• Increased socialization: One of the best aspects of lifelong learning is that it can be shared with others. Educational lectures, discussion groups, and book clubs encourage social interaction that is intellectually engaging and helps reduce depression and isolation.
• Healthier body: Researchers have found that the more educated someone is, the lower their rates of anxiety and depression. They also tend to experience lower rates of common acute and chronic conditions, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, high cholesterol, emphysema, diabetes, asthma, and ulcers.
• More happiness: Being fully engaged in learning something new has been shown to increase satisfaction and happiness. To truly boost health and happiness, however, the learning must be mentally challenging.

A Special Partnership: OSHER at Santa Marta

Partnering with an established lifelong learning institute to offer OSHER classes to Kansas City area residents as part of Santa Marta’s Lifelong Learning program provides many benefits, including:

• University-level instructors
• Non-credit courses designed specifically for lifelong learners
• No exams or homework — just exploration, conversation, and enjoyment
• The convenience of hosting classes directly on the Santa Marta campus

Upcoming Spring 2026 OSHER Courses

Residents of Santa Marta and community members are welcome to register for one or both of these upcoming continuing education courses for older adults. Classes run two hours and are held on three Thursday afternoons at Santa Marta, 13800 W. 116th Street, Olathe, KS.

Beyond the Trenches: World War I Fronts in Italy, Eastern Europe, Turkey & Africa

Instructor: Karl Menninger

Thursdays, March 19, 26, and April 2

2:30–4:30 p.m.

Course description:
You may be familiar with World War I battles on the Western Front, where France and Great Britain (and later the U.S.) fought Germany in the trenches. But there was a reason it was called a world war. This course explores battles fought on other fronts involving Russia, the Ottoman Empire, Austria-Hungary, and African colonies. We will also discuss the Polar Bear Expedition and examine why U.S. troops were deployed to Siberia.

About the instructor:
Karl Menninger is a retired government lawyer who has found an avocation teaching courses on disability law, citizenship, comedy, James Bond, and other diverse topics.

The Willows Maternity Sanitarium & Kansas City: Adoption Hub of America

Instructor: KelLee Parr

Thursdays, May 7, 14, and 21

2:30–4:30 p.m.

Course description:
This course explores the reunion of a mother and daughter 66 years after being separated at birth at The Willows Maternity Sanitarium. Participants will delve into the history of The Willows and dozens of other maternity homes that brought more than 100,000 young women—often shrouded in secrecy—to Kansas City.

About the instructor:
KelLee Parr holds bachelor’s degrees in agriculture and education, as well as a master’s degree in adult and occupational education from Kansas State University. He taught elementary school in Topeka for many years and now writes science curriculum for Nancy Larson Publishers.

Learn more about the benefits of Santa Marta.

As you explore senior living communities in the Kansas City area and would like to experience our culture of lifelong learning and vibrant longevity for yourself, contact one of our senior living counselors today.