Thayer Public Library, Braintree   

Adaptability, a natural, lifelong process, is life’s master skill — from the way a tree bends in the wind to the way humans reinvent themselves through change. In this course we explore how all living things adapt, how adaptability evolves across the lifespan, how creativity and resilience fuel adaptability and how we can consciously cultivate it as an art form for lifelong wellbeing physically, mentally and emotionally. We will learn from nature, psychology, and one another, examine our ability to adjust to change, recover from challenges, and, through classroom lectures, discussions, and interactive exercises, find innovative ways forward while practicing resilience and creativity. 

Through discussion, some lecturing and recommended readings we will try to refine our complex and often inconsistent relationships with animals. Why do we love some, hate some and eat others? We will explore evolutionary psychology, speciesism, the influence of our cultural heritage and increasing knowledge of animal capabilities to help us clarify our personal attitudes towards the animals with which we share our planet. 

Booked for Life invites lifelong learners to explore the enduring power of literature and memory. We will examine how books shape identity across time, revisit historic and contemporary works, and engage in thoughtful discussion on themes of resilience, legacy, and imagination. In addition to reading, participants will practice writing short reflections and personal narratives as a way of preserving memory and passing on stories across generations. The course concludes with a visit to the RISE Selfie Museum, a unique storytelling space that highlights women’s history and invites participants to consider their own voices within a larger cultural narrative. 

“I cannot change the wind of the natural aging process, but I can adjust the sails of my lifestyle and rhythm of living.” 

In this 10th series of the Exploring Longevity course, we will examine the outlook of longevity in light of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, which holds the potential to vastly increase computational capacity and accelerate research into issues such as dysfunctional mitochondria and cellular senescence. While the ‘fountain of youth’ remains a metaphor, new insights into extending healthspan are steadily on the horizon. This course has been enriched by the shared wisdom and insights from our participants’ lived experiences. 

 

What does it mean to do the right thing? How do we weigh individual freedom against the common good? And why do moral questions—about fairness, equality, and responsibility—stir such passionate disagreement? In this lively 5-week interactive discussion course, inspired by Harvard philosopher Michael Sandel’s acclaimed Justice series, participants will explore some of the most important moral and political questions of our time. Each session features a video lecture from Sandel along with guided questions and reflections. No prior philosophy experience needed—just curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to wrestle with the hard questions of moral choice.