Learning Institute for Elders at University of Central Florida

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Learning Institute for Elders at University of Central Florida

The Learning Institute for Elders at University of Central Florida a Lifelong Learning progeam for Adults 50+

Established in 1991, the Learning Institute for Elders at University of Central Florida (LIFE at UCF) is a 501©3 organization in partnership with the university. Members, 50 and older, enjoy stimulating, non-credit classes on the UCF campus, which are taught by faculty from the various colleges within the university or by professionals from the local community. In addition, LIFE members are offere

d opportunities to participate in experiential learning experiences through field trips and travel offerings. LIFE’s partnership with UCF provides many benefits: meeting space for 800 members on a weekly basis, campus parking, shuttle buses, library privileges, free or reduced admission to sporting events and musical/theater performances. LIFE at UCF has reciprocated with over $600,000 in research awards and scholarships for deserving faculty and students. In addition, LIFE members often volunteer as participants in research projects impacting older adults. LIFE at UCF, a largely volunteer organization, is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of 18 members. A small staff assists with coordinating various committees charged with the successful oversight of this dynamic lifelong learning program.

08/25/2026

On a hot Monday morning, 36 LIFE at UCF members prepared meal kits for young students, older home-bound seniors and others. Decked out in white coats, hair covers and gloves, the first group packed enough meals for 6,000 people. In a nearby room, another hard-working group packaged fresh produce for people in need. Each box had enough produce for seven meals for one individual. The LIFE members boxed 800 boxes… enough for 4,027 meals! What a great day! It is very rewarding that LIFE at UCF can give back and we all work together for our community.

06/17/2026

Today, the topic in our summer sessions at UCF College of Medicine was of based on the age of LIFE members in the auditorium. Assistant Professor, Medical Education, Heidi Hoopingarner, Pharm.D. gave an enthusiastic, entertaining presentation entitled “When Medications Multiply: A Knight’s Guide to Staying Safe”. It seemed that every attendee could relate to the topic of polypharmacy based on the results of an electronic survey conducted with handheld devices that indicated the majority of attendees were taking up to five medications a day. The presentation covered all aspects of medications including how older patients respond differently to medications as they age. All aspects of medication safety were discussed such as creative ways to keep our medications safe in containers, and how to talk to our physicians to make sure they are aware of the medications we are taking.

06/16/2026

About 40 LIFE at UCF members signed up for a morning of bowling and pinball Trippin at the Oviedo Bowling Center. Who knew that a group of lifelong learners could have so much fun competing to win bragging rights for the most strikes and spares? Before hitting the alleys, we enjoyed a fascinating talk by the bowling center’s owner on the history of the pinball machine. The pizza for lunch was the best ever. Many LIFE members, including a few new members, had unlimited privileges to hone their skills by playing the bright, blinking pinball machines. The Trippin experience was a great way to stay in touch with members during the summer break.

05/05/2026

Last chance to join LIFE at UCF!

Membership is still open for the Learning Institute for Elders at UCF.

Participate in our program virtually or in person.

Click the link in our bio to register by July 14th 2026. Must be 50+ to join.

Click here to join today ! :
https://life.member365.org/public/login/membership/0f6cc3476de4b6cd8e7cd3efb18b197c82b4b1f8/1

04/22/2026

LIFE at UCF held its annual meeting last week and it was NOT your typical annual meeting! If you missed the “Reach for the Stars” bash, you missed the Pegasus Ballroom which had been transformed into an inter galactic atmosphere complete with planet centerpieces, balloon selfie arches, and aliens everywhere you looked. LIFE members sure know how to have fun! After an out of this world continental breakfast and a wild and crazy business meeting, we had a round of endless door prizes, best costume contest and volunteer awards ceremonies. We ended with a heavenly performance by the UCF String Quartet to bring us back to earth. There surely is LIFE in our galaxy.

04/15/2026

Dr. Marcel Otto, Assistant Professor, UCF Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research spoke to LIFE on molten salt and how it is transforming the energy landscape by enabling safe, efficient heat transfer for advanced nuclear systems and unlocking long-duration energy storage for renewables. Dr. Otto shared with us that in Sanford, Florida, a joint facility by UCF, Kairos Power and Siemens Energy is at the forefront of this transformation—developing cutting-edge molten salt technologies that support clean, dispatchable power.

The second lecture this week was delivered by Mrs. Anne Taylor, Director of Philanthropy – IDignity, a non-profit organization in Orlando, Florida that helps U.S. citizens and legal residents obtain essential identification documents such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, and Florida IDs/driver's licenses for free, thus removing barriers to employment, housing, and social services. Vulnerable populations are helped with guidance through the often complex process toward the goal of self-sufficiency.

04/14/2026

An enthusiastic group of UCF "LIFErs" enjoyed a wonderfully interesting tour of the Valencia Culinary Institute in the Union West Building in downtown Orlando. Our tour guides, Valerie Camacho and Elisa Brewer, regaled us with stories of all the training their students must complete for graduation. The Institute proudly boasts an impressive 100 percent placement rate.

04/13/2026

‘Adventure Seekers’ from LIFEatUCF experienced an unforgettable opportunity to soar on Monday……just like the first recorded seaplane took flight 112 years ago!!!!
Ashley, from Jones Brother's Seaplanes shared the history and specifics of the various seaplanes along with the geography of the Harris Chain of Lakes & other nearby lakes. We learned of the many unique competitions & events that occur throughout the year at their picturesque location. A very experienced mechanic then shared his vast experiences & the intense work needed to keep the seaplanes ‘afloat’.
We were then divided between two floatplanes - one with retractable wheels which rolled down the ramp into the Lake. We experienced the excitement of takeoff, a “Splash & Dash” at 50 miles/hour and then our final smooth SPLASH DOWN back onto Lake Dora. As we soared, our pilots shared insights of the stunning aerial views of Tavares - "America's Seaplane City", lush scenic Florida landscapes, charming waterfront homes, and historic Mount Dora. We glided over Blue Water Industries that operates a major sand processing plant which causes a blue lake in Leesburg.

It’s an amazing feeling to finally admire those views from the cockpit rather than a mere postcard (or FB!). We are so grateful to have experienced this incredible ‘bucket-list’ ride! CHECKED THAT OFF!!!

A few members enjoyed lunch at the “Puddle Jumpers” restaurant next door - with views of our seaplanes flying in.

Address

P. O. Box 117
Goldenrod, FL
32733

Telephone

+14078235433

Website

https://lifeatucf.org/

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