Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCI Introduces First and Only University-Based Program for the Baby Boomer Generation.

Program Designed Specifically to Meet the Educational Interests of Adults Ages 50+

IRVINE, Calif. -- Nearly 80 million Americans -- or 29% of our population -- were born between 1946 and 1964, and are most commonly known as the Baby Boomer Generation. This generation currently represents the majority of political, cultural, industrial and academic leaders in the United States. Many of these individuals, now considering retirement, are planning for the next phase of their lives and are concerned about issues like retirement financing, estate planning, wellness issues and how to spend their free time after long and successful professional careers. To meet the demands of this thriving population of individuals, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCI (OLLI at UCI), supported by UC Irvine Extension, is announcing its Boomer Generation Program to help adults age 50 and over fulfill their educational and personal pursuits during this important phase of their lives.

"UC Irvine Extension prides itself on its ability to prove relevant and timely academic programs for our community members," said Gary Matkin, Ph.D., dean of continuing education at UC Irvine. "The Boomer Generation Program is consistent with OLLI at UCI's mission to provide learning pathways for individuals who share the love of learning. It is important for our University to be deeply involved and influential in the lives of this truly amazing generation of individuals."

The Boomer Generation courses will be taught by some of UC Irvine's most well respected faculty as well as by many of OLLI's subject matter experts. Courses and events are planned during evening and weekend hours to meet the busy schedules of the boomer adult.

"OLLI at UCI is one of the largest and most active OLLI communities on the West Coast with over 700 volunteer members, offering 130 courses per year. Many of our current members are boomers themselves and are already in the midst of a major life transition," said Catherine Follet, president of OLLI at UCI. "We believe it is our responsibility to support the needs of this group and establish a learning community for boomers to share and interact with other like-minded individuals."

The Boomer Generation Program will feature the following courses during spring term:

"Caregiving for Aging Parents" seminar will focus on helping adult children understand the resources available, difficulties and emotional challenges that may be encountered as they are called upon to care for their aging parents. The course will be held on Monday, February 26, from 5:30 - 7:00pm at the Woodbridge Village Center in Irvine, Calif.

"Fifteen Dimensions of Retirement: It's not just the money!" will explore 15 dimensions of retirement that lead to a deeper understanding of what needs and wants must be met, and what fears must be addressed when dealing with this major transition. The course will be held Tuesdays, March 13 through March 20, from 5:30 - 7:00pm at the Woodbridge Village Center in Irvine, Calif.

"The Wine Experience: How to enjoy the elixir of life" will utilize a combination of lectures, films, tastings and food to provide participants with the knowledge needed to feel comfortable with wine as a novice or an expert. The course will be held Thursdays, from February 8 through March 22, 5:30pm - 7:00pm at the Woodbridge Village Center in Irvine, Calif.

"A Boomer Health and Wellness Institute" will explore the longevity sciences, super nutrition, preventive medicine, gene therapy, and bionics. The course will provide information and tools for participants to develop and implement a plan to remain vital and active. The course will be held Mondays, April 16 through April 30, 5:30 - 7:00pm at the Woodbridge Village Center in Irvine, Calif.

"Grandparenting in the 21(st) Century" this course will provide Boomer grandparents with tools and resources to help in the adjustment to their new role as grandparents. The course will be held Saturdays, May 12 - 19, 10:30am - 12:30pm at the Woodbridge Village Center in Irvine, Calif.

OLLI at UCI is offering a half-year membership fee of $70 for the Spring 2007 term, valid from February 2007 - June 2007 and good for all OLLI at UCI course offerings. Boomer Generation courses are open to any OLLI at UCI member. For additional information about OLLI at UCI, membership applications, course schedules and enrollment forms, visit extension.uci.edu/olli or call [phone].

ABOUT THE OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE AT UCI (OLLI AT UCI)

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a learning community of retired and semi-retired men and women who enjoy the challenge, stimulation and quest for continued learning. OLLI members are people who are intellectually curious; people who are interested in discovering new facts and sharing new ideas; people who love to read, analyze and take part in spirited discussion. OLLI at UCI, supported by UC Irvine Extension and founded in 1997, is a thriving organization that strives to provide academically based learning opportunities for those who continue to seek knowledge. OLLI at UCI currently maintains 700 volunteer workers, presenters, and participants and delivers over 65 courses each term, including occasional trips and travels. For more information about OLLI at UCI, visit, www.extension.uci.edu/olli.

ABOUT UC IRVINE EXTENSION

As the continuing education arm of UCI, UC Irvine Extension is dedicated to providing a university-level learning experience for students, offering thousands of exciting courses and programs to local, regional and global constituencies. UC Irvine Extension offers a rich array of academic and community programs to support a diverse audience, from a wide selection of academic programs to numerous campus activities. For more information about UC Irvine Extension, visit www.extension.uci.edu.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE

The University of California, Irvine is a top-ranked university dedicated to research, scholarship and community service. Founded in 1965, UCI is among the fastest-growing University of California campuses, with more than 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students and about 1,400 faculty members. The second-largest employer in dynamic Orange County, UCI contributes an annual economic impact of $3.3 billion. For more UCI news, visit www.today.uci.edu.