Education for Older Adults

SCOSA offers educational, socialization, and recreation programs for older adults (60 and over) that encourage vitality through physical, social, mental and spiritual engagement.

COVID-19 Precautions: SCOSA's programs are being offered in-person (masks recommended, and Stockton Health Pledge required), and/or online via Zoom. SCOSA complies with Stockton guidelines. CLICK HERE for the latest from Stockton. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) provides useful information for everyone. (CLICK HERE)

SCOSA programs are partially funded under Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, through grants from the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services and the Cape May County Department of Aging And Disability Services. Each funding source requires us to collect basic demographic information from our participants. The NJ Division of Aging Services also compels us to inform participants about their Privacy and Non-Discrimination policies, available for review by Clicking Here.

SCOSA gladly accepts voluntary donations. Such donations are not a fee and are not required. Donations are used to develop and operate future programs. To donate directly to SCOSA please make checks payable to SCOSA and send them to: SCOSA/SOBL, Stockton University, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205-9441. Please indicate if you need your donation to potentially be tax deductible. If so, we will put it into one of our Foundation funds; if not, we will deposit into a revenue account that directly supports our operating expenses.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) Celebrates 50 Years of Service

Since 1973, Area Agencies on Aging has provided a platform of services that helps older adults, and individuals with disabilities age well in their homes and communities. The agency provides support for older adults by providing meals, health and wellness programs, transportation, social engagement activities, health insurance, counseling, and other services. The USAging video (https://youtu.be/_iemam2c6tY) (takes less than two-minutes to watch), which highlights the work of the department and AAA throughout the country. More information about AAA is found at www.usaging.org.

Upcoming Older Adult Education, Socialization and Recreation Events

* We also encourage you to visit our Stockton Institute for Lifelong Learning listing by Clicking Here.

Tour of Poetry

January 20 - June 08

Tour of Poetry Second Saturdays through June (January is the 20th), 1-2pm, Otto Bryns Public Library of Northfield, 241 W. Mill Rd. | During each session of this monthly program, an established poet will read original work, present an engaging lecture, and encourage participants to write & share something of their own. Participants will have an opportunity to have their poetry included in the Tour of Poetry Anthology.

Players and Playwrights Meeting

January 20 - December 21

Players and Playwrights Meeting Third Saturdays, 1/20- 12/21/2024, 1-4pm, John F Scarpa Academic Center, Room 311 | Players and Playwrights (P&P) is a collective of playwrights and readers (aka players) who meet monthly to read original plays. Performances are organized several times a year. Interested players and playwrights are invited to attend a meeting once before committing to join.

Knit & Crochet

April 01 - May 20

Knit & Crochet Mondays, 4/1-5/20/2024, 9-10am, Stockton at Manahawkin | This eight-week class will teach you to knit and/ or crochet like you are a pro! You will learn to read patterns and make something for yourself, or as a gift. Supply list: 2 balls of light colored yarn, Weight 4 Knitting needles size 10 OR Crochet Hook size H.

One Stroke Painting

April 01 - May 20

One Stroke Painting Mondays, 4/1-5/20/2024, 11am-1pm, Stockton at Manahawkin | One Stroke Painting is sweeping the decorative painting world. It's fun! It's easy! It's quick! One Stroke is a multi-loading style of acrylic decorative painting that is very friendly to novice painters. It is equally usable on metal, plaster, glass, wood, fabric and ceramic surfaces. You will be excited too, when you find out for yourself how easy One Stroke is. Imagine, blending, shading, and highlighting all in One Stroke! Classes teach you to freehand various strokes and to build your own unique pattern. Supplies needed: Apron, Set of multicolor acrylic paints, wax paper, paper plate, container for water, Book of watercolor paper, set of Donna Dewberry brushes.

SILL: Streams, Swamps and Spungs

April 05 - 26

SILL: Streams, Swamps and Spungs Fridays, 4/5, 12, 19, & 26/2024, 2-3pm, Stockton Galloway Campus | Come explore the variety of water features we have on Stockton's Galloway campus. This class will visit a different place every week, including Lake Fred, the Cedar Swamp, the big vernal pond, and Lake Pam. Ability to walk moderate distances on uneven ground required. Tuition for each 4-session SILL course is $45, FREE for residents 60+ who live in Atlantic County.

SILL: Chemistry Through Art

April 05 - 26

SILL: Chemistry Through Art Fridays, 4/5, 12, 19, & 26/2024, 3-4:30pm, Stockton University, Room TBD | This course will explore the chemical principles behind the creation and analysis of art. Students will work in a laboratory to produce several artwork pieces and investigate four main topics: properties of light, paints and pigments, dyes and fibers, and modern materials. Tuition for each 4-session SILL course is $45, FREE for residents 60+ who live in Atlantic County.

SILL: The Conversation Project

April 09 - 30

SILL: The Conversation Project Tuesdays, 4/9, 16, 23, & 30/2024, 1;30-2:30pm, Online via Zoom | The Conversation Project helps people share their wishes about care through the end of life. This course will review the starter kit and their guide to choosing and to being a health care proxy. Discussions will focus on how to best share what matters most to you with your loved ones. Tuition for each 4-session SILL course is $45, FREE for residents 60+ who live in Atlantic County.

Chair Yoga

April 12 - May 31

Chair Yoga Fridays, 4/12-5/31/2024, 9-10am, Stockton at Manahawkin | Join Lois for Chair Yoga, for modified poses that can be done while seated, which makes the poses accessible to more people.

Adult Tap Dance

April 12 - May 31

Adult Tap Dance Fridays, 4/12- 5/31/2024, 10-11am, Stockton at Manahawkin | Join Lois Allen of Lois Allen's School of Dance to learn adult tap dancing, an exciting and social activity.

Adult Belly Dance

April 12 - May 31

Adult Belly Dance Fridays, 4/12-5/31/2024, 11am-12pm, Stockton at Manahawkin | Join Lois Allen of Lois Allen's School of Dance to learn belly dancing!

Adult Ballet

April 12 - May 31

Adult Ballet Fridays, 4/12-5/31/2024, 12-1pm, Stockton at Manahawkin | Join Lois Allen of Lois Allen's School of Dance to learn ballet!

Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company

April 26

Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, Friday, 4/26/2024, 7:30pm, Stockton University Performing Arts Center | "Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo" was conceived by Artistic Director & Co-Founder Alberto Lopez Herrera who sought to honor the culture of his birthplace in Puebla, Mexico. At the same time, he wanted to take advantage of the American celebration of Cinco de Mayo, and the many misconceptions about what it represents and why. Lastly, its retelling of the history is through our own eyes as Mexicans, Poblanxs, and immigrants.

Addressing Loneliness & Food Insecurity in Elders: ASA Webinar

May 01

Addressing Loneliness & Food Insecurity in Elders: ASA Webinar, Wednesday, 5/1/2024, 1-2pm, Online via Zoom | Access to proper nutrition can be a challenge for older adults due to a variety of factors. Compounding this issue is the fact that older adults are also at risk for isolation and loneliness. In this webinar, we'll tackle the pressing issues of loneliness and food insecurity in the older adult population. Learn how reaching out and fostering connections can have a significant impact on elders' well-being. Discover actionable strategies to address these challenges, promote a sense of community, and ensure that no one faces isolation or hunger alone.

What You Need to Know about End-of-Life Care and Options: ASA Webinar

May 07

What You Need to Know about End-of-Life Care and Options: ASA Webinar, Tuesday, 5/7/2024, 1-2pm, Stockton University Campus Center Meeting Room 3 | Supporting individuals throughout their end-of-life journey requires an understanding of the resources available to them. This session will give professionals an overview of end-of-life care and options for adults in the United States. We will cover topics such as advance care planning, palliative care, hospice care and additional considerations for people living with dementia. We also will discuss end-of-life options such as voluntary stopping eating and drinking, and medical aid in dying.

SILL: Critical Thinking Across Life

May 10 - 31

SILL: Critical Thinking Across Life Fridays, 5/10-31/2024, 11am-12pm, Online via Zoom | Critical thinking is a practical reasoning process derived from logic and psychology and used to decide what to believe and do in real life. Course audience will actively participate in exercises focused on ways to think clearly, techniques to handle logical obstacles, biases, and fallacies and exposure to deductive and inductive reasoning.

SILL: Health, Healing & Spirituality

May 15 - June 05

SILL: Health, Healing & Spirituality Wednesdays, 5/15-6/5/2024, 10-11am, Stockton at Manahawkin | Spirituality has a profound and compelling role in healing the mind and body. Those experiencing life's challenges develop attributes that increase acceptance, reduce negative emotions, form meaningful relationships, and find life's purpose. This session will explore ways to assess challenges of self in hopes of reconstructing a better understanding of health and healing as they intersect with spirituality. Some techniques will be introduced to benefit or enhance health e.g. meditation, reflective journaling. Tuition $45, FREE for Atlantic County residents age 60+

SILL: Teaching to Our Times

May 15 - June 05

SILL: Teaching to Our Times Wednesdays, 5/15-6/5/2024, 1-2pm, Galloway Campus Room TBD | How do we improve daily life, feel good about ourselves, find happiness, build friendships and stay active and think positive? How can we live for today? This course discusses life issues, relationships, happiness, values and ethics, and other topics related to well-being and personal growth. Material is based upon research by Buscaglia, Pliskin, Twerski, and other psychologists and spiritual leaders. Tuition $45, FREE for Atlantic County residents age 60+

SILL: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way

June 05 - 26

SILL: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way Wednesdays, 6/5-26/2024, 6-7pm, Online via Zoom | People find meaning and happiness in life through their connection with nature, places, service, relationships, community, and leisure. Exceptional longevity has been studied by many, including Dan Buettner who in 2004 coined the term "Blue Zones." In this synchronous online zoom series, students will learn more about some "power 9 commonalities" (moving naturally with purpose and belonging) by exploring aging and spirituality aspects and qualities (diet, exercise, sense of community) that comprise a Blue Zone. Tuition $45, FREE for Atlantic County residents age 60+.