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Dancing to the Oldies
There is a huge demographic shift underway with more and more older adults living longer, healthier, productive lives. I won’t bore you with statistics on this phenomenon right now. One thing that I will tell you about this demographic shift: The music is good! On Sunday, I went to see Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe in concert at the Lyric. Let’s just say that the demographic of my fellow concertgoers skewed on the older side. Not since my college reunion a few years back had I had such a moment—thinking to myself, who are all these old people? Then, the realization: they are me; I am them. Sure, many are older than I am, but I am already hearing songs from my high school days on oldies radio stations and I catch myself dancing down the aisles of the supermarket as the pumped-in background music is made up of songs from my heyday. I don’t feel old and I’m sure the others taking in the concert didn’t feel old either. Elvis Costello, 68, and Nick Lowe, 74, certainly didn’t seem to. A few days ago, Elton John, 76, announced that he wouldn’t be touring anymore. No worries, Bruce Springsteen, 73; Debbie Harry, 78; Dolly Parton, 77; George Clinton, 81; Lionel Richie, 74; Sting, 71; Billy Idol, 67; Patti Smith, 76; Billy Joel, 74; Carlos Santana, 75; Joan Jett, 64; Boy George, 62; Barry Manilow, 80; Mick Jagger, 79 and Keith Richards, 79, are still out there performing. This year, hip hop and rap turn the big 5-0 with many hip hop and rap stars from back in the day in their 50s and 60s. In addition to his rap career, Ice-T, 65, has acted on “Law & Order” for a couple of decades. David Byrne, 71, from the Talking Heads, was playing eight shows a week on Broadway for a couple of years. The graying of America is coming at a heavy price—concert tickets and new music downloads. There are still some tickets left to see Willie Nelson, 90, when his tour comes to the area at the end of this month. See you at the show?
Stay safe and healthy,
Tracy Jacobs
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We are coming to the end of our 2022–2023 membership year, so please consider renewing your Osher membership (or joining Osher) this month so that you will be all set for the new membership cycle which runs July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024.
To renew or join for the 2023–2024 membership cycle, please CLICK HERE and follow the instructions to pay securely online with a credit card.
Please note: if you are a TURFA, Supporting Member, or Edenwald Member, we will send you a different link to renew/join.* If you prefer to pay by check, please download the 2023–2024 membership form to print out. Return the completed form with check made payable to Towson University. Our mailing address is Osher at Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252-1000.
Osher at Towson University is a dynamic membership organization. Osher at Towson University members can:
- Enroll in thought-provoking and stimulating semester courses that cover a wide range of topics in subject areas including literature, history, science, the arts, and more! Fall and spring semesters offer both online and in-person classes.
- Register for intriguing individual lectures offered at various times throughout the year.
- Participate in book groups and shared interest groups.
- Receive priority registration for day trips, workshops, and special lecture series.
- Receive discounted registration for the SPARK program.
- Use the Towson University Cook Library and its online databases.
- Receive discounts at the Towson University Store and at various TU cultural and athletic events.
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Fall 2023 At-A-Glance Schedule
We are looking forward to seeing you this fall! The full online catalog will be available on August 4. View Osher Fall 2023 At-A-Glance Schedule (PDF)
Preview of Fall Courses—Online—Monday, August 7 at 2 p.m.
Hear from the instructors themselves as they tell you about the courses they will be teaching this fall. The Preview will be available starting at 2 p.m. on Monday, August 7. You can watch it any time after that.
Fall Registration—Begins Tuesday, August 8
Fall semester registration will begin on Tuesday, August 8. We will send out information about registration beforehand so keep an eye on your inboxes.
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Researchers from Towson University are conducting a study to test the effectiveness of a prevention intervention for community dwelling older adults. This intervention is designed for older adults who have experienced mild changes in memory, thinking, problem solving, or mood but continue to be engaged in out of home activities.
Participation involves screening assessments, 4 sessions related to community mobility strategies and skills, and is tailored to you and your individual needs. Wednesday mornings in July/August, 10–11:30 a.m., in Towson, MD.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE COMPENSATED $100 AT PROGRAM COMPLETION
Do you or someone you know:
- Experience cognitive changes (such as memory or problem solving changes) which impact participation in community activities?
- Live at home? (do not need to drive)
You may be eligible, contact us!
For more information on how you or a loved one can participate in this study, contact Kendra Heatwole Shank, PhD, OTR/L at 410-704-4437 or email tuSPARClab@gmail.com
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January 26–February 1, 2024
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Price: $2,795 per person*
Join fellow Osher students, TU alumni, and TU Retired Faculty members on a trip to Mexico!
Witness a spectacular natural phenomenon unlike any other: hundreds of millions of Monarch butterflies at their overwintering grounds in the mountains of southern Mexico. Stand amid the fir-covered mountains and witness this awe-inspiring spectacle firsthand as the Monarchs flutter, dip, and swoop overhead. With three full days at sanctuaries within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, you will have the opportunity to see Monarchs in staggering quantities: on the roosts in the early morning, in flight at midday, feeding on wildflowers, and watering at streams—so many at once that you hear the humming of their delicate wings and sense them as they touch down on your shoulders or hats. On this unforgettable learning adventure, you’ll also spend time in the colonial town of Angangueo and the massive ancient Teotihuacán complex, exploring Mexico's rich history and culture. Join our small group experience, led by experienced naturalists and local guides.
*Includes: Activities and meals mentioned in itinerary, all tips, bottled water or water refill station during transfers, carbon offset, full-time guide, and private transportation and driver.
This trip is sponsored by the TU Alumni Association in partnership with Osher at Towson University and the Towson University Retired Faculty Association
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Support Osher at Towson University. Your tax-deductible contribution helps to provide a rich experience for our members and a vibrant, affordable program for years to come.
Donate online through the link below. If you prefer to donate by check, please make check payable to “Towson University Foundation, Inc.” and note Osher fund in the memo line. Mail to: Towson University Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 17165, Baltimore, MD 21297-0219.
If you would like to honor a friend or loved one with a donation in their memory, please consider supporting Osher at Towson University with a gift to the Osher Excellence Fund.
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We remember Osher members that have passed away recently. While we work hard to provide accurate updates, please let us know if you are aware of an Osher friend’s passing by contacting osher@towson.edu.
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