This past week we’ve covered various ways to help pay for formal education if you want to change careers or advance your current one. But what if you just want to take an interesting course or two?
    
Many colleges and universities have special programs for older adults, often during the summer. Several hundred such programs are part of a loose network of Lifelong Learning Institutes affiliated with Exploritas (an organization formerly known as  Elderhostel). LLI classes typically involve no tests or grades, just learning for the pure joy of it.  Another option is simply to check with the closest colleges to where you live and see what kinds of programs they offer. In this economy, they’ll probably be more than happy to hear from you.

Earlier in this series:

•  employer-paid educational assistance programs
•  deducting your educational expenses
•  special tax breaks for education
•  tapping your IRA or leftover 529 plan money

—Greg Daugherty

Greg writes the “Retirement Guy” column each month in our Consumer Reports Money Adviser newsletter.