After three successful cycles and more than 500 graduates, the "University for Senior Citizens" program at the University of Haifa is opening registration for the fourth cycle, which will begin in November 2026. The program, intended for Haifa residents aged 60 and over, will offer 18 courses in diverse fields on the Mount Carmel campus.
A unique program in collaboration with municipal and academic entities
The program was established at the initiative of the University of Haifa, the Foreign Studies Unit, the Haifa Municipality, the Military Veterans' Association, the Pensioners' Lobby and the Shmuel Gantz Assistance Center. It is intended for Haifa residents aged 60 and over, who wish to continue studying, developing and enriching their knowledge. The studies take place at the Mount Carmel Campus of the University of Haifa and include theoretical and practical courses. The fourth semester opened only a year after the program began, and at the end of the studies, graduates will receive a certificate of completion from the Foreign Studies Unit.
18 diverse courses – from game theory to the secrets of the brain
The new cycle will offer 18 courses in the fields of psychology, history, artificial intelligence, the capital market, music, law, and other fields. Among the notable courses: Dr. Keren Or Chen will teach a course on game theory, Prof. Gal Richter Levin will lead a course on the secrets of the human brain, and Prof. Oded Zahavi will teach a course on the great musicians of our generation. The wide variety of fields is designed to allow each participant to find the field that interests them and deepen their knowledge in an academic atmosphere.
Inspirational quotes from adults and lecturers
Israel Savyon, Chairman of the Military Council, Chairman of the Health Committee and Veterans Affairs Portfolio Holder, said: "The success of the project is not only in the number of participants, but in the triumph of the spirit, the spirit of learning, perseverance, curiosity, appreciation and the desire for knowledge. You have proven that there is no limit to age when there is a desire to know and experience."
Dr. Keren Or Chen, Head of the Interdisciplinary University Clinical Center and one of the project's initiatorsShe noted: "I am proud to say that we are succeeding at the University for Senior Citizens in meeting this need," adding that "the students are people who come to study to deepen their knowledge, and therefore their questions are much more well-founded and participation is significant."
The graduates say: "A breath of fresh air"
Graduates of the program shared their excitement about the experience. Lillian Goldring, who participated in courses on positive psychology, a gateway to the capital market, and an introduction to artificial intelligence, said: "When I saw on the Internet that courses were being opened for senior citizens, I immediately signed up because I felt like I was getting a breath of fresh air that took me back to my school days at the University of Haifa." Goldring added that what she learned enriched her knowledge and helped her narrow some of the gap that had formed between the generations.
Yosef Shaul, who participated in a positive psychology course, said that "the course gave me significant tools for thinking and observing in a different way."
Hagit Alfasi She described the experience as "a great opportunity to continue to develop, maintain curiosity, and experience learning with true enjoyment."
The lecturers also enjoy: "A special experience"
There are also words of enthusiasm from the lecturers. Dr. Ido Zelkovitz He noted: "The experience of teaching senior citizens is special. The students come with a wealth of life experience and knowledge, which is hard to find when you teach younger students."
Prof. Gal Richter Levin He said: "When I heard about the possibility of teaching a course on the brain to senior citizens, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. Over the years, I have taught mainly younger students, and the opportunity to meet older students, those who themselves have been through and done a thing or two in life, was very fascinating to me."
For additional details, course programs, and registration, please contact the Foreign Studies Unit: 04-8249111.