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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
The earth has many various forces, such as gravity, wildfires, tornados, hurricanes, floods, lightning, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanos, and others, all of which are beneficial to life forms on earth. Our presenter, Carol Brodbeck, will begin the class by discussing these forces and their benefits. Temperature extremes are also a key force of nature. In the second part of the class, Carol will tell us about various survival techniques and methods used by plants and animals to survive and adjust to extreme heat and cold temperatures. Carol Brodbeck grew up on a farm and attended a one-room country school in Monroe County (MI). After earning a degree in Biological Sciences, she joined Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Company in Detroit, where she was part of the team that researched and developed the influenza vaccine. She then transferred to the company’s Ann Arbor labs to work on a team charged with introducing the use of computers into research and development. After early retirement, Carol earned her Advanced Master Gardener certification and served as Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. State President (2017-19). For over a decade she was part-time faculty at Washtenaw Community College. Carol loves to learn and share with others.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Carol Brodbeck
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Dates: 9/10/2026 - 9/10/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Artificial Intelligence, or “AI,” continues to advance at an astonishing rate, bringing us many potential changes to the way we use technology. Some of the changes are useful, and some of them are “slop” (to use the technical term). As a follow-up to his winter class about AI, Jim Keen will discuss this rapidly changing landscape. What have we learned since February? How does AI affect you and me? In what ways should we be using it? Jim Keen holds a B.A. in communications and an M.A. in educational studies from the University of Michigan. He currently owns and operates Keen Focus Technology Tutoring. Jim is dedicated to not only solving problems but also striving to teach people how to fix them on their own! He uses his educational technology skills in the classroom and in the homes of his clients to help them use their technology.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Jim Keen
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Dates: 9/23/2026 - 9/23/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
This presentation explores how music impacts the aging brain—supporting memory, mood, connection, and overall quality of life for older adults. We will look at the neuroscience behind music’s effects, basic music therapy interventions that are utilized with older adults, share case studies where music therapy made a difference in individuals, and share practical, accessible ways caregivers, families, and individuals can intentionally use music in everyday settings. The goal is to empower anyone working with seniors, as well as seniors themselves, to use music thoughtfully, even outside of formal music therapy. Rachael Lawrence-Lupton has been a music therapist for 18 years and is the owner of Gentle Care Music Therapy. She specializes in older adults/hospice and has worked in Southeast Michigan, the Chicagoland area, and Southern California during her career. She has overseen many interns and practicum students and is one of the co-chairs for the Association Internship Approval Committee of the American Music Therapy Association. Rachael is the mother of two incredible kids who keep her humble and ready to take on whatever adventures come her way.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Rachel Lawrence-Lupton
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Dates: 10/14/2026 - 10/14/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: W
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
How did humans go from hunting and gathering to growing crops, keeping animals, and living in villages and cities? In this class we will look at one of the most important changes in human history: the shift from foraging to farming. We will explore archaeological evidence for how and when this unfolded in different parts of the world, possible explanations for the transition, and why experts still debate whether it was really a “revolution.” Along the way, we will look at the surprising consequences of farming, from rising populations and technological innovations to disease, inequality, and war. Drawing on examples from several continents, the class offers a lively introduction to a change that still shapes the world we live in today. Raven Garvey is an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Associate Curator at the University of Michigan, where she investigates how past peoples adapted to—and sometimes thrived amid—challenging environments and dramatic climate changes. She has conducted archaeological research in ten U.S. states and four countries, and for the last 20 years has focused on Patagonia (southern Argentina and Chile), where she and her colleagues unearth clues about human ingenuity and resilience. In recent years, she has also partnered with aerospace engineers and geophysicists to explore how unconventional approaches and cross-disciplinary team efforts can further illuminate ancient mysteries.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Raven Garvey
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Dates: 10/15/2026 - 10/15/2026
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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IN-PERSON: The Elderwise classroom, 2275 Platt Road
Alzheimer’s disease was first described by the German neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906. Today, it is regarded as the most common form of dementia. In this class Dr. Bruno Giordani will provide background information on Alzheimer’s disease and explain what is going on in the brain when someone has this form of dementia. We will learn about the latest findings from this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference and several other recent conferences where new information is being presented, including information on risk factors, early detection, innovative prevention and treatment approaches, and new initiatives to support research. Bruno Giordani is a professor at the University of Michigan in the Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Psychology, and in the School of Nursing. Dr. Giordani currently serves as Associate Director of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center. His research interests include identification of early signs of cognitive impairment and cross-cultural applications of new assessment and intervention models.
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Fee: $20.00
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Instructor(s): Bruno Giordani
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Dates: 11/5/2026 - 11/5/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Sessions: 1
Days: Th
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Building: 2275 Platt Road
Room: Classroom
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