LIFE

If you are an active adult with a desire to never stop learning, then we invite you to take part in NCI’s LIFE (Learning Is ForEver) program. This lifelong learning initiative is made possible by the generous support of Barbara Matthews, a wonderful example of the pursuit of learning and wisdom.

We invite you to participate in the various learning opportunities made available throughout the year – all of which are designed to be engaging, enlightening, and interesting. Any adult is welcome to participate in our programs. There are no prerequisites to participate, and no fee to participate unless otherwise noted. All you need is an interest in sharing an educational experience. Every course is designed to foster lively, fun engagement with a focus on topics and resources available in Martinsville and Henry County.

LIFE Program Alternatives:

Being dedicated to education and the community, we have provided some online alternatives, with the links below, for you to explore and have virtual adventures. Share your experiences with us on social media – we’d love to hear about the new things you’ve discovered and learned. Don’t forget to check out the online LIFE events, follow us on Facebook or checkout our website for those events that are going online.

Learning Is ForEver!

Reading 

• Blue Ridge Regional Library

Download e-books and audiobooks for free with library account.

• Project Gutenberg

Access to a large collection of eBooks.

• New York Public Library

Download e-books, e-audiobooks for free from New York Public Library.

Language 

Want to learn a new language?

• Duolingo
  Want to learn a new language or practice your skills?
• Babbel

Offering three months of free language learning. Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Dutch, Turkish, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Indonesian, and English.

Arts & Culture

• Museums, Art, and a little History

Follow the link and immerse yourself in a world of art and culture, with the help of Google. Categories covered are Artists, Mediums, Art Movements, Historic Events, Historical Figures, and Places.

Have an adventure without the crowds or luggage.

• Broadway Shows and Theaters

The Metropolitan Opera is streaming – for free!

Missing live theater?

• Playbill has a list of shows for you to enjoy – front row!
• Georgia Aquarium Live Cam
• Houston Zoo Webcams
• Virtual Tours of Museums
• Virtual Tours of Museums, Exhibits 
• 12 Museums for Virtual Tours

Sports

Need a little competition in your life? Here’s list of websites that will bring the competitors to you. Get your favorite snack and beverage and watch all the action from the comfort of your own home.

• ESPN
• Sony Pictures
• Fox Sports
• VIP League
• Ken Burns and PBS bring you his film Baseball, streaming for free!

Healthy Living

• Stay active and move –

Planet Fitness is offering “Home Work-Ins” streamed live at 7 p.m. ET daily!

• Golds Gym

Golds Gym is offering free access to its app, until the end of May, where more than 600 audio and video workouts along with DJ mixes to get you ready to work it out!

• Get healthy living tips online.
• Janet Steward

LIFE presenter Janet Steward has a wonderful and informative website, so there’s no reason to miss out on her health wisdom.

• Andrea Alemanni

LIFE presenter Andrea Alemanni’s website has podcasts about health and issues concerning good health. Listen in on her website.

Science & Technology

 Looking to learn how to use Zoom and other online conferring tips? Check these guides!

• https://www.inc.com/gabrielle-bienasz/zoom-dos-donts.html
• https://youtu.be/jLUS8c5RDJw
• https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/technology/personaltech/online-video-meetings-etiquette-virus.html
• Class Central

Dhawal Shah, founder of the online course aggregator Class Central, compiled a list of more than 400 classes that are available in subjects as varied as Machine Learning for Data Science and Analytics from Columbia University; HOPE: Human Odyssey to Political Existentialism from Princeton University; The Science of Well-Being from Yale; and Gamification from the University of Pennsylvania.

• MIT has free courses!
• edX

edX online courses range from beginner to advanced levels. Areas of study include neuroscience, genotyping, DNA methylation, innovations in environmental science, modern astrophysics and more from top universities and institutions worldwide.

• Federal Trade Commission

Information about Coronavirus scams and tips to avoid them, graphics to share on social media, and links to other resources.

• NASA

NASA has made their entire media library free for public access.

Senior Living

Right now, staying home is important for the health of you and your community. That can be difficult, when you want to get out there and live your life, which can cause emotions that are difficult to cope with. Sometimes it’s not enough to say, “Stay positive!”, you have to act in a positive way too. Part of that, is finding ways to have your best life at home.

• Gardening tips from AARP
• Mental Health tips from AARP
• Tackle some of the clutter in your home.

Aside from spending time on the internet, here are some more ideas to help you live your best life.

• Stay connected with friends and loved ones and reach out to others in your community – online or over the phone. It’s ok to ask for help too – let someone know if there’s something you need.
• Act like you have somewhere to go – put on your nice clothes, dress it up, show your style – take a selfie and send it to your friends. Who knows, maybe you’ll start a virtual fashion show!
• Prepare a meal you have not had in a while or have always wanted to try – send photos to friends and family, so they can salivate from afar. Don’t forget to use your “Good” place settings.
• Write about or record your life experiences. Everyone has a story or two to tell and every life has value. Your wealth of knowledge and experience should be shared. Remember, you don’t have to be famous, to be interesting!