Lifestyles   

Stay active and strong during your golden years with guidance from a certified personal trainer. This program blends education and exercise, focusing on functional fitness, cardio, strength, flexibility, balance, and core training. All activities can be modified to meet individual needs, and take-home workout copies are provided. Wear comfortable workout clothes and tennis shoes. Participants must complete a health questionnaire and UNL Rec Center waiver, which will be emailed for electronic signature before the first session.

Billy’s is named after William Jennings Bryan located close to the Nebraska State Capital building in the “Noble-Dawes House” built in 1887. The “Noble-Dawes House” has been the home to Billy’s Restaurant since 1986. Enjoy a fabulous lunch at this iconic Lincoln restaurant while you learn about the history of the house and Chef Nader Farahbod’s career.

Join OLLI on an autumn tour of arts and culture in Nebraska’s own Alps! We’ll visit Schuyler’s historic Oak Ballroom to learn about this WPA gem, then view the St. John’s Bible, a hand illuminated masterpiece housed at the St. Benedictine Center. Next, we will enjoy a traditional Czech lunch of roast pork, dumplings, sauerkraut and kolaches at Abie’s Place in Abie. Then we’ll head to the new quarters of the Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art in David City. Finally, we’ll stop at Junto Wine near Seward to enjoy the beautiful views and local wine.

Relax the body and soothe the mind from the comfort of your own home in a remote yoga experience. All you need is a chair with no arm rests and some comfy clothes or pajamas. Expect gentle mobility, breathing techniques, and mindful movement to improve sleep quality, reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.

Since 1982, Operation Smile has provided hundreds of thousands of free surgeries to children with cleft and other facial conditions. Starting in 1985, students in Operation Smile Clubs worldwide have been given the opportunity to play an active role in awareness, fundraising, and education. Learn about this amazing organization and get an insider's view of what happens on these life changing missions.

Since 1982, Operation Smile has provided hundreds of thousands of free surgeries to children with cleft and other facial conditions. Starting in 1985, students in Operation Smile Clubs worldwide have been given the opportunity to play an active role in awareness, fundraising, and education. Learn about this amazing organization and get an insider's view of what happens on these life changing missions.

Have you ever wanted to make restaurant favorites in the comfort of your own home? With this hands-on class, we'll do just that. Let's “copycat” dishes from our favorite restaurants, including soup from Panera, those cheddar biscuits from Red Lobster and some Olive Garden favorites.

With 50 percent of all cycling accidents happening due to riders losing control of their bike, prevent that from happening to you by strengthening your bike handling skills and knowledge. Geared toward people of all riding abilities who want to gain confidence riding in urban settings, preview optional on-line material on traffic safety before class, then spend time in class on parking lot drills and riding Lincoln’s bike infrastructure.

Understand the stages of dementia, potential treatment options, how to care for a loved one, and prepare for what comes next in your journey.

Do you have envelopes full of negatives or slides? What about old photos stored in shoeboxes under your bed? Learn how to preserve these in a more organized form. Bring some of these to class and explore the process of scanning and saving those prints digitally so they will be memories forever. Bring no more than four or five prints, negatives, or slides.

Learn exciting details of an unforgettable OLLI cruise adventure scheduled in August 2027 exploring five of Europe’s most stunning regions – including towering fjords, storybook cities, breathtaking natural wonders, and unforgettable cultural experiences. It starts with a guided stay in iconic London, then 11 days of luxury and comfort while cruising to Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland! Discover why Northern Europe is one of the world’s most breathtaking cruise destinations!

Learn exciting details of an unforgettable OLLI cruise adventure scheduled in August 2027 exploring five of Europe’s most stunning regions – including towering fjords, storybook cities, breathtaking natural wonders, and unforgettable cultural experiences. It starts with a guided stay in iconic London, then 11 days of luxury and comfort while cruising to Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland! Discover why Northern Europe is one of the world’s most breathtaking cruise destinations!

Use your kayaking skills to explore one of the many state recreation lakes around Lincoln. Spend the afternoon paddling at Pawnee Lake and Middle Creek, which feeds this reservoir and will provide a great opportunity to see birds and other wildlife. This class is targeted toward paddlers who have participated in one of the previous kayaking classes. All kayaking equipment is provided. You must provide your own entry fee into State Recreation Area.

It’s the beginning of Fall! Experience the sights and sounds of the fall prairie at its most glorious state. We will meet at the Prairie Building for an introduction before hiking at least two miles on uneven terrain.

Love games but need more players? Join us for Game Night! Bring your favorite indoor game or learn a new one while enjoying fun, food, and great company. OLLI provides snacks and drinks—just bring your enthusiasm. No game? No problem! We’ll have plenty to choose from, like Scrabble, Monopoly, Yahtzee, Pictionary, and more. Whether you're playing or mingling, it’s the perfect evening to socialize and connect through friendly competition.

Join in meditation, breath-work, balance, and mindful movements to reconnect your mind, body, and spirit. Class is for all levels, but poses will include a variety of positions requiring students to get on/off the floor. Instructor will provide modifications as needed. Learn some yoga tidbits to use in your future practice both on and off your mat. No equipment is needed but a yoga mat is encouraged. Consult with your physician prior to participating.

Peek behind the curtains at Stuhr Museum, Nebraska’s premier living history museum. You’ll go places most visitors don't get to see and hear from the people who make history come alive. Following lunch, you’ll discover Raising Nebraska. This education pavilion operated by UNL on the State Fairgrounds helps visitors understand modern agriculture, which is rooted both in nature and science. Enjoy a special class arranged just for OLLI, then enjoy a short drive through Fonner Park which hosts the State Fair.

Explore the deep history and diverse landscapes of Lincoln's largest park. This guided walking tour will take you through scenic trails to uncover early historical origins, local wildlife habitats, and unique floodplain ecology. Gain insights into vital conservation efforts; Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Bring water, dress for the weather (hats, sunscreen, bug spray) and wear sturdy shoes. Requires walking, climbing and navigating winding, uneven, unpaved terrain.

Research consistently finds that most people aged 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities as long as possible. The AARP Home Fit session was created to help people stay in the homes they love by turning where they live into a “lifelong home,” suitable and safe for themselves and anyone in their household.

Gain an inside look at how Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) keeps the city moving. Explore how LTU manages over 410 traffic signals, intersection detection systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), detection cameras, and traffic monitoring for incident management. Learn about the Green Light Lincoln Initiative and its impact on economic and environmental improvements. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Signals and Sign Shop and the Brine Making Facility, offering a firsthand look at the operations that keep Lincoln’s streets safe and efficient.

This class is structured for the student who has no or little knowledge of the game of bridge, and for those who played it years ago and need a refresher. We will cover how the game is played, bridge vocabulary, basic Standard American bidding, and basic card play. There will be opportunities to play hands that will illustrate what has been taught in class. The students will dictate how fast the class will move.

Electric Bikes are a great and accessible way to explore Lincoln’s trail system. There are many health benefits from cycling, from being low impact on your joints to strengthening your cardiovascular system. Having an electric assist on your bike can help you go further and longer. Learn the fundamentals of how to use an E-Bike, the pros and cons and "test ride" one to see if it is right for you.

Recreational kayaking is a great lifetime activity and way to explore and enjoy the lakes in the Lincoln area. This class will introduce you to the basics of kayaking and safety measures so you can start enjoying this new activity on your own. All kayaking equipment is provided.

The ukulele is an easy instrument to learn. Have fun singing, strumming, and learning with fellow OLLI members. Learning a new instrument keeps the brain sharp, and fingering the ukulele helps arthritic hands. You don’t have to know how to read music to take this class. Any standard "C tuning" ukulele may be used. Bring your own ukulele and music stand; and, members may check out a beginner ukulele from any public library in advance.

Learn about the disease, changes to expect and how to care for someone on this journey.

Join us for a tour and lunch at the Abbott House for a magical experience. The Abbott House of Mystery, located in Omaha’s Field Club Historic District, is a 1913 Craftsman bungalow once owned by legendary magician David P. Abbott. Purchased by illusionist Teller (of Penn & Teller) and the Omaha Magical Society, it has been restored as a venue for magic history. Lunch will be from Jimmy John’s and include assorted sandwiches, chips, grapes, cookies and water.

Mah Jongg is an ancient Chinese game. Learning the game can be fun and challenging. This class will introduce you to the card, the tiles, the Charleston and the game itself.

What should you pay for Medicare? Break down the real numbers and bottom-line costs of your healthcare options. Learn which Medicare expenses remain fixed, which ones change annually, and how to calculate your true out-of-pocket exposure. We will bypass the confusing jargon to look strictly at the dollars and cents, giving you the mathematical clarity needed to budget effectively in retirement.

What should you pay for Medicare? Break down the real numbers and bottom-line costs of your healthcare options. Learn which Medicare expenses remain fixed, which ones change annually, and how to calculate your true out-of-pocket exposure. We will bypass the confusing jargon to look strictly at the dollars and cents, giving you the mathematical clarity needed to budget effectively in retirement.

Discover what active, independent senior living can offer through tours of five Omaha communities. The first session provides an overview of key factors to consider—social, physical, medical, and financial—when choosing a senior living option. Each session features a guided tour of a different community, highlighting unit types, pricing, amenities, and dining. Gain valuable insight into the unique character of each location and start your search with a well- informed, first-hand perspective.

Take a tour of Nebraska Innovation Studio, a 16,000-square-foot community makerspace featuring a full metal shop, wood shop, rapid prototyping room, and art studio. Innovation Studio is open to university faculty, students, staff and community members for a monthly membership. Following the tour, participants will learn how to use a wood lathe to transform a wood blank into a handcrafted pen to take home. This hands-on woodworking process requires patience, focus, and creativity.

Build photography skills using your mobile devices – smart phones and tablets. Most of the content will focus on Apple device Technology but, it will also cover Android features, multiple apps and photographic principles common to all cell phone cameras. There will also be limited discussion about post processing of photographs using the phone app Snapseed. Download Snapseed from your app store to enable some practice processing photos on your device during class.

When it comes to caring for loved ones, most families don’t have a plan until a crisis happens. Discover how to provide the best care for your loved ones and/or to provide vital information for your children to assist you should that need arise. Receive the tools to plan for future housing needs, caregiving considerations and financial planning for the cost of healthcare. Create a comprehensive plan that includes your home, health, finances, and wishes.

The following video programs are previously recorded OLLI courses. Learn at your own pace, on your own time and at your convenience. Over 40 hours of programming are available for a single cost of $30. You will receive a link in your registration confirmation email to access all recordings. The link will be active from the first day of the term until one week before the next term starts.

All programming originates from OLLI at UNL.

 

Women Who Lived for Danger – Lynn Roper (4 sessions)

Fearless, smart, creative and decisive women. From 1940, the British SOE trained 39 women to handle guns and explosives, work undercover, endure interrogation and use complex codes as they were dropped into Nazi-occupied France to work as secret agents. America’s intelligence agency, the OSS, began in 1942, bolstered this effort and evolved in 1947 to the CIA where trailblazing, daring women helped the U.S. face the new, growing Soviet threat. These courageous agents of change also fought for equal pay and opportunities for women.

World War II in the Pacific – Roger Lempke (6 sessions)

The U.S.A. fought World War II in two fronts that were quite different on opposite sides of the world. After Pearl Harbor the war in the Pacific had aircraft carriers engaging in combat for the first time and “island hopping” become a major tactic never experienced in warfare. Explore the significant characteristics of the war in the Pacific including pre-war relations, military leadership, tactics, and logistics in the vast ocean region.

Functional Strength and Balance – Diane Hopkins (4 sessions)

Enhance overall physical fitness and improve the ability to perform daily activities with confidence. Focusing on muscular strength, flexibility, mobility and balance, engage in exercises tailored to support functional movement and reduce the risk of injury. Using just a chair, through guided workouts and movement strategies, build confidence in your physical abilities, fostering greater independence and overall well-being.

 

The Gospel of Mary Magdalene – Liz Kocher (3 sessions)

Long-lost until discovery in the late 19th century, the gospel account of Mary Magdalene tells the story of discipleship, conflict, and the proclamation from a voice too often overlooked. Explore the world within and behind the text of Mary Magdalene’s gospel and get a glimpse into the complex world of artifact discovery and scripture interpretation.

Classic Car Restoration – Mike Zimmerman (1 session)

You’ve always wanted to restore that car you drove as a teenager but were afraid to take the first step. Discover the things to consider making the project manageable. Designed for both beginners and veterans, learn proper tools, workspace, costs and safe preservation methods along with bodywork techniques, paint preparation, engine care, and interior refurbishment to bring a vintage car back to life while maintaining authenticity.

First Century Son(s) of God – Michael Ryan (1 session)

The Son of God? What can it mean? Although Christians understand Jesus is the Son of God, many are not aware of the title’s meanings in the first century nor that there were others to whom the term applied. Exploring the implications of other "sons of god" challenges and illuminates our understanding of the Gospels today. Deepen your understanding of the gospels through an historical critical approach.

 

Lincoln Saltdogs Baseball: Life Behind the Scenes – Shane & Morgan Tritz (1 session)

Go behind the scenes with Saltdogs General Manager Shane Tritz and his daughter, Morgan, as they share an inside look at life in Minor League Baseball. Hear firsthand stories about the highs and challenges of managing a team, family life around the ballpark, and what it’s really like to be part of the Saltdogs organization. A fun, personal glimpse into the world of professional minor league baseball.

Gait Speed: The 6th Vital Sign – Casey Bogenrief (1 session)

Discover why gait speed is more than just a way of measuring how fast you walk. This simple, accessible indicator reflects the health and function of multiple body systems and is strongly linked to overall vitality and survival. Learn how slowing down can signal underlying changes and how reduced mobility can create a cycle of inactivity and deconditioning that impacts long-term health. Participate in a gait-speed assessment and learn what you can do to improve this vital sign.

 

Restoring and Managing Resilient Prairies – Chris Helzer (1 session)

Prairies are beautiful, diverse and fascinating. View photos and hear stories about Nebraska prairies and learn about how land stewards keep them vibrant and healthy. Explore seed harvest, prescribed fire, grazing, mowing, invasive species management, and the art and science of blending those in surprisingly sophisticated ways. Discover how bees, badgers, cows, and people can all interact and coexist.

Yes, Your Vote Matters – Sandra Washington, Eric Gerrard, Laurel Van Ham (1 session)

Learn the most effective and efficient ways to express your opinions at the local, state and federal levels. We’ll discuss contacting elected and appointed officials, testifying at public hearings, social media, letters to the editor and more. We’ll focus on individual actions while recognizing the power of collective action. Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert or in-between, and whether you have a few minutes or plenty of time, your civic engagement can make a difference!

Few prevention initiatives directly address how aging, social isolation, and ageism can increase suicidal thoughts among older adults. To help fill this gap, the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition has provided a 2025-2026 mini grant to the University of Nebraska Emeriti and Retirees Association (ERA). With these funds, the ERA launched a suicide Prevention education program. Learn about available resources, ways to recognize suicide warning signs and strategies for supporting individuals who may be considering suicide.

When Jeff Henrichs was in fifth grade, he began shagging foul balls at games at Sherman Field and quickly fell in love with baseball. That passion led him to the pinnacle of umpiring, including eight College World Series assignments in Omaha, a brief call up to Major League Baseball, and a stint as an ESPN college baseball analyst. Now, after 42 years officiating games across the country, Jeff shares his story—the highs, the lows, and what it truly takes to be an umpire.

When Jeff Henrichs was in fifth grade, he began shagging foul balls at games at Sherman Field and quickly fell in love with baseball. That passion led him to the pinnacle of umpiring, including eight College World Series assignments in Omaha, a brief call up to Major League Baseball, and a stint as an ESPN college baseball analyst. Now, after 42 years officiating games across the country, Jeff shares his story—the highs, the lows, and what it truly takes to be an umpire.

Craft the beginnings of a personal memoir that can be passed on as a cherished keepsake to loved ones and future generations. Before registering, attend the two- session introductory course entitled “The Stories of Your Life: Introduction” to learn more about life writing and to experience a sampling of the engaging process for yourself.

Experience a hands-on preview of OLLI’s eight-week life writing program in this introductory course. In the first session, learn what guided memoir reflection entails (and what it doesn’t), including the importance and value of the supportive group process. We will also begin writing a short reflection on a meaningful life experience. In the second session, participants will share some of their writing, offer supportive feedback, and preview topics for the full program. Those interested can then register for the eight-week series running Tuesday afternoons, Sept. 15–Nov. 3.

Experience a hands-on preview of OLLI’s eight-week life writing program in this introductory course. In the first session, learn what guided memoir reflection entails (and what it doesn’t), including the importance and value of the supportive group process. We will also begin writing a short reflection on a meaningful life experience. In the second session, participants will share some of their writing, offer supportive feedback, and preview topics for the full program. Those interested can then register for the eight-week series running Tuesday afternoons, Sept. 15–Nov. 3.

Learn directly from Tom Osborne about the positive impact of mentoring in his life, the founding of Teammates Mentoring Program, and the program’s mission to positively impact the world. In addition, discover the highlights of the Lincoln chapter’s work and the ongoing need for mentors, and hear from OLLI members about their experiences mentoring through TeamMates.

Learn directly from Tom Osborne about the positive impact of mentoring in his life, the founding of Teammates Mentoring Program, and the program’s mission to positively impact the world. In addition, discover the highlights of the Lincoln chapter’s work and the ongoing need for mentors, and hear from OLLI members about their experiences mentoring through TeamMates.

See the home of the Nebraska Cornhusker football team on this facility tour which includes many historic and notable structures. We will visit the North Stadium Athletic Complex, All-American Wall Display, Captains Photo Display, the weight room, and Osborn Legacy Complex. Spend time on Tom Osborne field to learn about the past, the exciting changes coming after the last Husker home game this Fall, and what it means for the fans.

Sparks are flying - in the best way possible. Tour the nation’s largest welding training center, a space where craftsmanship, innovation, and hands-on learning come together. Discover modern welding labs featuring industry-standard equipment, live demonstrations and an inside look at hands-on training, and how students gain career-ready skills and partnerships with local industry that support workforce development. It’s a place where skilled trades are elevated, opportunities created, and the next generation is empowered to build strong futures.

This course has been expanded from 3 to 6 weeks, providing more time to focus exclusively on Apple products (Macs, iPhones/iPads, iWatch, and AirPods) and the latest software updates and refinements.  Designed for users who are already comfortable with their devices, explore advanced features and recent developments. You don't need to own every Apple device, but a  solid understanding of the basics is expected so we can dive right in without covering beginner-level content.

Learn more about how Social Security works and who is eligible for Social Security payments through this AARP course. Build a basic understanding of Social Security, explore how claiming decisions affect payments and identify resources that can help you along the way. Build confidence in making the right decisions for your personal situation.

Learn more about how Social Security works and who is eligible for Social Security payments through this AARP course. Build a basic understanding of Social Security, explore how claiming decisions affect payments and identify resources that can help you along the way. Build confidence in making the right decisions for your personal situation.

Volleyball is one of the fastest-growing spectator sports, but its pace can make it difficult to follow. Learn the fundamentals for novice viewers with minimal understanding of the game. Participants will learn key terminology, basic rules, scoring, positions, along with basic offensive and defensive strategies. All instruction takes place in a supportive, low-key environment to help you, as spectators, understand what they are watching.

Curious why you enjoy certain wines more than others? Understand your personal taste through a guided tasting of five white wines. Learn how acidity, texture, aromatics, tannins, and fruit shape your experience. Gain tasting and smelling skills along with a simple framework for describing wine. No prior knowledge is necessary. Light snacks provided.

Whether you haven't written a poem since high school or are a published author, enjoy a fun and friendly approach to writing poems of praise to the small things in your life which are heroic and deserve some recognition.

Join OLLI friends on a bus trip to the New Theatre & Restaurant in Overland Park, Kansas. Enjoy the ride while relaxing and socializing with friends and family to attend the comedy smash hit, “Legally Blonde, The Musical.” Non-stop laughter begins when Malibu sorority girl, Elle Woods, is dumped by her Harvard-bound boyfriend. To win him back, Elle gains admission to Harvard. And guess what? The “dumb blonde” turns out to be one smart cookie. If you enjoyed the movie, you’ll love this musical!