What is lifelong learning? 

The Martin Luther Campus Lifelong Learning Program fosters “brain fitness,” continued learning, exploration of talents, and creative expression among the seniors who live here or participate in our day programs.

What is the goal of lifelong learning?

The goal of Martin Luther Campus’ Lifelong Learning Program is to enhance seniors’ quality of life. Other objectives of the program are to promote:

• Pleasure
• Cognitive and physical fitness
• A sense of control and purpose
• Opportunities for socializing
• Accessibility for all
• Sharing talents with others
• Creative expression

What are some examples of lifelong learning?

We have brought art, music and dance to Martin Luther Campus through Kairos Dance, Northern Clay, Bloomington Art Center, and MacPhail Center for Music.  We will also include college courses, painting, clay sculpture, photography, writing, story telling, and gardening.  In addition, our seniors may take advantage of discussion groups, book clubs, virtual travel, computer games, and many other activities.

What might be some of the outcomes of the program?

Studies have shown that lifelong learning:

• Improves physical health
• Improves emotional health and feelings of well-being
• Improves immune function
• Reduces pain and discomfort
• Reduces doctor visits
• Reduces use of medication
• Reduces stress
• Stimulates cognition and creativity

MacPhail Center for Music

Martin Luther Campus has enjoyed a long and rich relationship with MacPhail Center for Music. In 2006 MacPhail entered into the first partnership of its kind with Meadow Woods.  Then in 2008 MacPhail Center for Music partnered with Martin Luther Care Center.  Teaching artists from MacPhail provide a variety of interactive presentations  and participatory music sessions in playing instruments, singing, composing, movement and improvising. 

In November 2008 MacPhail received a MetLife Foundation Creative Aging Program Grant administered by the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts.  Martin Luther Campus was chosen as the pilot site for work with MacPhail.  In April, 2009 both Meadow Woods and Martin Luther Care Center residents performed at MacPhail in a musical celebration, "Making Music a Lifelong Celebration.