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DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024 | maconmagazine.com 49 Stay sharp by engaging your brain! It's never too late to learn more about your passions or find new ones. Take college-level courses through Wesleyan Academy for Lifelong Learning (WALL). This respected program allows mature learners to enjoy educational and social opportunities through classes taught by local university faculty and other specialists. Classes meet once a week for four weeks during the fall and spring. Vince Coughlin, the program leader, wants all to know that "There are no tests, grades or requirements ... All one needs is curiosity and an interest in learning." Visit wesleyancollege.edu/ academics/wall for details. Go digital at the Washington Library, which offers free computer and internet classes for seniors. You can finally catch up on all the reading you've wanted to do, whether it's through print, e-books, or audiobooks. Beefing up your computer, cell phone, and internet skills will help you learn on the go and connect more often with your loved ones. Learn an instrument. One of the most highly recommended ways to spark joy and improve mental flexibility as you enter retirement is to take up an instrument. I, personally, am learning how to play the harmonica as I type. I'm even in a harmonica band! Take private lessons (Young America Music School and Little Carnegie of the South, to Check out even more activities in our Arts and Culture Top 10 on page 96. name two, teach all ages) – or self-teach through YouTube or lesson books. Try trivia. Trivia games are all over town (including Society Garden on Thursdays). They put you among like-minded friends and are great for cognitive skills. And a final look at Carlyle Place, the ultimate retirement community on Zebulon Road. Talk about the quintessential location for seniors. Pickleball, indoor pool, excellent exercise room and equipment, exercise classes, craft classes, line-dancing instruction, bridge, Wii bowling, chair volleyball, book club, library, Mahjongg, Rumi cube, Dominoes, Sequence, pool table, ping pong table, dances, guest speakers, musical presentations, a choir and so much more. Cele Minshew, Activities Director, sums it up by saying, "We listen to what our residents are interested in, and we make those things happen. We strive to keep everybody here healthy and active." A George Bernard Shaw quote is a fitting conclusion to my tip-of-the- iceberg look at how to enjoy your retirement in Macon, Georgia. "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." So, get out there, play, exercise, mingle, and learn. There is life after 65! Continue to learn and grow 3 Woody Owens gets ready to play a round of pickleball. Photo by DSTO Moore A play at Macon Little Theatre. Photo courtesy of JP Haynie.