Lifelong Learners offers intriguing classes for seniors

“Are some rectangles more attractive than others?”

Charles P. “Pat” McKeague, a former Cuesta College mathematics professor, recently asked a group of more than 45 older adults who had gathered in a San Luis Obispo classroom for a talk.

McKeague had occasionally posed this question to his elementary algebra class at Cuesta College, he recalled, to get the students’ attention. But he wasn't having any trouble keeping this group interested.

(For those wondering, McKeague said there is in fact a “most attractive” rectangle, called the “golden rectangle.”)

McKeague, who now writes and publishes mathematics textbooks, volunteered his time to present “spirituality in mathematics,” an hour-long talk exploring whether patterns and connections in mathematics can strengthen a spiritual perspective.

Quotes from mathematicians and philosophers were sprinkled into his talk on number sequences and fractals, such as this one from mathematician Paul R. Halmos: “I’m not a religious man, but it’s almost like being in touch with God when you’re thinking about mathematics. God is keeping secrets from us, and it’s fun to try to learn some of the secrets.”

The course was offered through a nonprofit group, Lifelong Learners of the Central Coast, which started hosting courses in 2012 on a variety of topics, including the arts, history and current events, science and technology, and health.

Upcoming classes, for example, include a look at the evolution of stealth aircraft; the history and practice of a psychological acupressure technique called “emotional freedom techniques;” a three-course workshop on analyzing old photographs; and an introductory course on Hospice of San Luis Obispo County’s “One Year to Live” program exploring how to live each year as if it was your last.

There are also courses on coping with dementia and understanding memory loss. Classes have been offered throughout the county, including in Arroyo Grande and Nipomo, and the group is now trying to expand its offerings in North County.

Lifelong Learners board President Jeff Green said similar courses were once offered through Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal Poly’s Robert E. Kennedy Library. That program was discontinued in 2011.

Green, who retired to San Luis Obispo County after 30 years with the U.S. Treasury Department in Washington, D.C., served as board president for that program for two years. After it ended, he and some other county residents thought they could start something similar with a small amount of money and a lot of volunteers.

The organization is especially important now, Green said, as the number of programs available to seniors has dwindled. (In 2013, for example, the Lucia Mar district eliminated the fee-based courses offered through its adult education program, such as cooking and yoga.)

“A lot of programs have gone by the wayside,” Green said. “There are a lot of older people here, and their needs haven’t been met.”

The courses and outings provide a community for seniors who want to learn, he added. Currently, the nonprofit has about 30 to 40 volunteers, but more are needed, including instructors, a board treasurer, and people to set up and clean up after courses.

The organization has about 417 members. Annual membership dues are $25, but anyone can attend a class for $10 each. Members pay $5 per class.

“We hope it will stimulate people to keep learning,” said Vice President Judy Yager of Pismo Beach. “We have a saying: ‘Curiosity never retires.’”

As McKeague’s presentation ended and the students filed out of the classroom, San Luis Obispo resident Sammie Bankston said she enjoyed the talk, even though she was never very good at math.

“I took notes of theories and concepts to go into it further when I walk away from it,” she said.

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Learn More

Lifelong Learners of the Central Coast

Check out the website or contact the organization at P.O. Box 5257, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403. Participants may register for courses online or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 838-3006.

This story was originally published December 25, 2014 at 10:31 PM with the headline "Lifelong Learners offers intriguing classes for seniors."