Courtesy UVU Marketing

For a group of Utah County seniors (ages 55 and older), retirement is not about slowing down — it is about expanding their horizons. Through Utah Valley University’s “Elder Quest” program, they are continuing their education, strengthening social ties and staying involved in their community.

This dedication to lifelong learning is made possible through a selection of engaging courses designed for seniors. Offered by UVU’s Continuing Education division, the Elder Quest program provides an affordable and enriching academic experience tailored to their interests.

UVU provides 10 weeks of Elder Quest classes each fall and spring semester with about 12 classes per semester. Tuition is only $45 per year. Some of the recent courses included American and world history, current events, literature, Shakespeare and music appreciation.

The classes are led by experts and former university professors, offering a stress-free learning experience with no tests, homework or mandatory attendance. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to attend as many classes as they like and focus solely on the joy of learning.

“Every semester, I eagerly look forward to new learning and exciting adventures — I’m never disappointed,” said Marjean Bingham, Elder Quest president. She joined in 2017 after her husband passed away and found friendship and fulfillment in the program. “I made a whole new set of friends, all senior citizens like myself, but with a wide range of life experiences and diverse backgrounds. Attending events opened new insights in learning and further cemented new friendships.”

Courtesy UVU Marketing

Classes are held at the Provo Senior Center with more than 200 members actively engaged. Movie Flick Fridays, which are free and open to the public, are held at the Orem Library. In addition to Utah, other participants come from California, Idaho, Nevada, Texas and Washington. They participate via Zoom.

“I attended the Culinary Arts program at UVU, and we were serving a meal to the Elder Quest monthly luncheon group,” said Julie Redd, an Elder Quest member. “I joined Elder Quest a few months later when I turned 55. I have loved all the interesting classes, field trips and friendships, and have attended three international trips with the group. They were highlights of my life.”

In addition to enriching the lives of seniors, Elder Quest is dedicated to supporting nontraditional students at UVU. Since its founding in 1992, the organization has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to single parents, displaced workers and other adult learners.

“Elder Quest has provided financial aid to over 140 students,” Bingham added. “It’s given me a greater appreciation for UVU and the nontraditional students it serves.”

Rooted in UVU’s values of lifelong learning and community, Elder Quest’s exceptional care continues to provide educational experiences for seniors while giving back to the next generation of learners.

Courtesy UVU Marketing

Research from the National Institute on Aging highlights the benefits of an engaged lifestyle, including increased happiness, improved cognitive abilities and a lower risk of diseases like dementia and heart disease. To support this, Elder Quest offers monthly luncheons with guest speakers, weekly movie screenings and educational field trips. These excursions range from local day trips to multi-day travel experiences exploring historical sites, museums and cultural landmarks.

Learn more about UVU Elder Quest at https://www.uvu.edu/ce/elder/.