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Dr. Charlie Morris will present the next lecture in the spring Academia Hernando Lecture Series titled “The Challenges of Growing Older” on Friday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m. at The Welcome Om Center, located at 4260 Lake in the Woods Dr. The lecture will begin promptly at 10 a.m.
Academia Hernando invites adult learners to join a vibrant community of curiosity and discovery through its diverse and engaging lecture series. The Spring Lecture Series offers something for everyone, whether you’re passionate about history, art, or entertainment. For more information, visit www.academiahernando.org.
Dr. Morris will discuss the cognitive changes that occur with aging, focusing on memory and cognition. He will explore strategies for compensating for these changes and improving memory. The lecture will also differentiate between normal aging and dementia, with insights on reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The discussion will conclude with ways to enhance the quality of life as we grow older.
Dr. Charlie Morris retired from Denison University in 2000 and has since presented and written papers on topics including aging, memory, Alzheimer’s and retirement. He has also taught in the Semester at Sea Program sponsored by the University of Virginia on three occasions (2009, 2011, and 2013). Currently, he teaches a course in the University of South Florida’s Lifelong Learning Program OLLI.
In an interview, Dr. Morris explained his passion for the subject matter. He shared that his personal experience with aging and retirement led him to choose this topic for the lecture. Dr. Morris explained that he follows the Japanese concept of Ikigai, meaning “a reason to get up in the morning” and “a reason to enjoy life.” In his own retirement, he sought to discover his Ikigai and has found a deep passion for helping others navigate their retirement years.
At 85 years old, Dr. Morris is approaching the 30th anniversary of his retirement. Reflecting on this significant portion of his life, he emphasized the importance of making the most of retirement time by finding purpose and value in personal pursuits.
“Many people reach retirement and find themselves asking, ‘Now what?’,” Dr. Morris said. That’s exactly what my lecture is about — discovering what comes next and how to make this phase of life meaningful.
Dr. Morris is eager to share his insights with the Hernando County community, hoping to offer new perspectives and ideas on how to approach the challenges and opportunities of growing older.
The full series of weekly lectures costs $90. To register, participants can visit www.academiahernando.org/spring-series to download the registration form. Completed forms, along with checks payable to Academia Hernando, Inc., should be mailed to Linda Young at 8409 Charleston Dr., Weeki Wachee, FL 34613. Registration forms must accompany payment, and a canceled check will serve as a receipt. Tickets for individual lectures may be purchased for $15, but availability is dependent on space.
