Encouraging an Elderly Parent to Pursue an Affordable Education
Q – My mom has talked for years, about how if she had been able to go to college when she was younger, that she would have loved to be an English major. Since her retirement, I have been trying to encourage her to chase her dreams, but she’s worried about the costs that will be involved, so she just won’t do it. Is there anything I can tell her to help encourage her to attend a Rhode Island college?
A – I understand why your mom might be reluctant, because college can be expensive for people at any stage in life; but for seniors on limited incomes, the fear is that the expense will set them back in their way of life during retirement. That being said, most colleges encourage seniors to join their ranks of students; either by attending courses with the school’s general population, or by learning through classes that are offered just for the demographic of older adults. In order to recruit senior citizens as students, colleges often allow seniors to audit classes (without accumulating credits) for a small fee, or no cost at all. Others offer discounted or free degree or accreditation programs just for senior citizens; or they have scholarships available that can only be given to older students looking to educate themselves later in life. So, to answer your question; if you really want to sway your mother to taking an English or Literature class offered by a Rhode Island college; do some research on her behalf and find a college that will take her for free!
Sources:
1. Suite 101
2. Suite101
3. North East Texas Community College
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Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
