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Continuing
Education for Good Mental Health
Keeping your mind active and engaged is important for good mental health
and healthy aging. Continuing Education can play a part.
Continuing
Education is an opportunity for individuals wishing to update their skills,
learn new ones, and/or to expand their knowledge about the world and how it
works. In the Triangle, we are very fortunate to have a number of outstanding
universities that offer continuing education specifically geared to older
adults. Some offer university amenities as part of what is offered. Some programs
are county specific so be sure to check. Usually, if you are 50+ you can sign
up for these opportunities. Often there is a fee, but if you are in need financially,
ask if they offer scholarships.
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Elderhostel
a nonprofit organization providing quality, affordable educational
adventures for adults fifty-five years of age and older. Each
program consists of between one and four weeks of learning including
lectures, discussions, field trips and activities. There are no
tests or assignments. Elderhostel programs allow access to programs
at universities, museums, conference centers and other learning
sites throughout the world. The international network consists
of 2,000 participating institutions and 80 countries.
(2/2006)
Encore
Center for Lifelong Enrichment
the member supported continuing education program for older adults
fifty years of age and older of North Carolina State University.
(2/2006)
North
Carolina Center for Creative Retirement
a part of the University of North Carolina at Asheville providing
a variety of educational programs for retirement age people in
the Asheville area. Major programs are: college for seniors; leadership
Asheville seniors; community outreach; schools volunteer program;
world affairs council; great decisions; behind the scenes tour;
campus volunteer programs; and creative retirement exploration
weekend.
(2/2006)
North
Carolina Community College System
a site with links to all the 58 community colleges in North Carolina
with Web sites and the e-mail addresses of each.
(2/2006)
Osher
Lifelong Learning Institute
the Duke University membership supported continuing education
program for older adults fifty years of age and older. Membership
includes many activities and social events.
(10/2007)
Sandhills
Center for Creative Retirement
operating through the Division of Continuing Education, at Sandhills
Community College, the Sandhills Center for Creative Retirement's
purpose is to provide programs and resources to enhance the intellectual,
physical and personal well being of the large number of active
retirees in the Sandhills area.
(2/2006)
Lifelong
Learning Credit
If you decide to take a course at any accredited public or private college,
university or vocational school, the lifelong learning credit would be worth
checking out. This tax credit provides as much as $1,000 off your tax bill.
You can be enrolled full or part-time. And, if you are taking only one course
at a community college, you may still be eligible for a partial credit. There
is no limit on the number of years you can claim this credit.
Your
income can be no more that $50,000 for an individual or $100,000 for a couple
filing jointly. The college or university mails a receipt, called a Form 1098-T
to you. You then use that information to fill out a Form 8863 to determine
the actual amount of the credit. That amount is then entered on your tax return
and is subtracted from the amount you owe.
For
more information on tax issues, contact your accountant, or the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) (1-800-829-1040). If you can't afford an accountant
and want personalized assistance, call 1-800-829-1040 for the location of
a free IRS service called the Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (VITA/TCE).
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