Lifelong learning is the ongoing voluntary and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional reasons. Studies show that being a lifelong learner can help prevent both mental and physical decline during the aging process.
If you are a retiree looking for learning opportunities to keep your mind sharp, consider joining a Probus Club. Each monthly meeting includes a guest speaker presenting a topic of interest with time allotted for questions from the audience. To find out which topic will be presented at Probus Club Halifax, check the “Upcoming Community Events” column in this publication or contact a Probus Club near you to obtain information.
For those readers not familiar with the Probus organization, it is a volunteer-based, non-profit, nonpolitical, non-sectarian fellowship organization. Our club’s focus on encouraging healthy minds and bodies and socializing with other retirees. Many clubs have formed smaller interest groups for sports, entertainment, bridge playing, travel, computers, etc. The variety of interest groups evolve from the interests of the club’s membership. Organized outings are provided also to visit local sites of interest. There is a yearly nominal fee required to join the club. However, members are not required to attend a minimum number of meetings.
Once you join a Probus Club, you are eligible for a free membership to Probus Canada (www.probuscanada.ca) and Probus Global (www.probusglobal.org). To join Probus Global, go to their website and register to become a member. Membership will give you access to worldwide chat groups, a photography group as well as an opportunity to attend Probus Global meetings. If you are a world traveller, you can make contact with a Probus Club member in the cities you will be visiting. If you are considering joining a Probus Club, choose a Club and attend a monthly meeting with a guest to assess whether or not you feel comfortable within that particular group. You will definitely be greeted warmly, introduced to the group as well as have the opportunity to listen to that month’s guest speaker.
The following are the email addresses for the Halifax, Dartmouth, Cobequid (Sackville and Bedford) clubs: probusclubhlfx@gmail.com ; probus.dartmouth@gmail.com; probuscobequid@gmail.com. Start Spring on the right foot, join a Probus Club to facilitate your quest for lifelong learning. It will allow you to keep your mind sharp and be informed.
