Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association’s (ELLA) members will be perusing the course guide for Spring Session happening in partnership with the U of A’s Faculty of Extension from April 30 to May 18.

It is an opportunity unique to Edmonton for those 50 or over to be a part of an amazing group of keen, welcoming, and enthusiastic students from various backgrounds that have come together to learn, relax, have fun, and make new friends, whether or not they have ever set foot in a university. And, the best perks of all: no prerequisites, homework, or exams.

Registration begins March 13 for this 17th annual volunteer-run ELLA experience, and about 600 eager participants are expected to register in the 52 diverse class selections taught on the U of A’s main campus or Enterprise Square by experts in their fields.

A glance at this year’s timetable suggests it will be challenging to choose from the interesting smorgasbord of sessions. For example, those interested in stepping back in time might enjoy courses on paleontology, the Victorian era, and maps. These are listed alongside topics such as Jazz of the 1930s, ‘40s, and ‘50s; Linguistics: The Power of Language; and A Brief History of Asian Art.

Math and science enthusiasts can sit in on conversational geology, “mathemagics,” or nanotechnology, and those who want to learn about global affairs will find topics related to China, contemporary Africa, or India on the agenda.

As always, there will be artistic pursuits: painting, sketching, fabric surface design, woodcarving, and basic digital photography. Writers and singers have dedicated class time set aside too.

Wellness and lifelong learning should be top of mind as we age. Instruction in Tai Chi and QiGong, yoga, stabilizing your core, and line dancing will get your body moving, and mindfulness meditation will slow it down.

It’s not only the 70-minute classes that keep ELLA members coming back – an enticing line-up of noon-hour presentations always keep people engaged while enjoying their brown bag or take-out lunch.

An ELLA membership costs $20, and enables a person to enroll in up to four courses per day for the three-week period for the fixed fee of $250. Prepaid parking is available and the LRT handy. Go to my-ella.com or call (780) 492-5055 to arrange a membership and get further details.