University Times

Pitt's College of General Studies (CGS) recently unveiled its Third Age Learning Community, an expanded program for people age 55 and older. The program incorporates the former College Over Sixty program as well as additional educational opportunities for this age group.

Why the name change? "We were looking for a term other than 'senior' or 'elder' that identifies this stage of life," explained Judi Bobenage, CGS director of community and continuing education. "The term Third Age has long been used throughout Europe, Canada and Australia to refer to people in their third stage of life — either retired or semi-retired — when their career or family obligations are not as great. We thought we'd introduce this term locally, and help people understand what it is."

Third Age is part of Pitt's Center for Lifetime Learning, which encompasses all of the CGS noncredit programs, with the exception of the Computer Learning Center.

Third Age participants may audit a large selection of Pitt courses, on a space-available basis, for $25 per course. This auditing option has enjoyed a long success at the College Over Sixty, attracting approximately 1,000 persons a year.