Were you the kind of kid who could not sit still in your classroom seat? Did you watch the clock until class was finally over? Did you ever consider that the problem wasn't you, but the teaching style of your instructor? It might seem improbable to a grade-schooler that going to school could be fun, but as an older adult you may find that you have a desire to be in the classroom setting and learn. It may be that you still have energy, curiosity, and a desire for more structured learning.

School at this stage of your life can take many shapes, such as:

• Degree-granting programs

• Certificates of proficiency in a trade

• Adult education through your city or town

• Continuing education through a college or university

• Remote learning via the Internet or correspondence course

• Enrichment classes through museums or other local cultural institutions

It may seem that time is abundant in retirement. Yet, like any valuable resource, it needs to be used with care. Taking formal classes, even without heading toward a diploma, will put structure in your week, make you accountable to someone, keep you mentally alert, offer social contact, and develop or expand your interests. Depending on your level of interest and counterbalancing commitments in your life, you can choose to embark on a formal degree-granting program or simply sign up for single-session classes.