URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face various challenges affecting their cognitive abilities, social participation, and overall health. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and fulfilling life.
University of Illinois Extension offers the Lessons for Living, a free online series of one-hour sessions designed to empower adults of all ages with practical, easy-to-understand guidance for living an inspiring, healthy, and fulfilling life.
"The Lessons for Living series encompasses a diverse array of subjects designed to strengthen essential life skills across all age groups, including areas such as nutrition, financial literacy, personal health, and everyday wellness," says Cheri Burcham, Extension educator. "This initiative reflects Illinois Extension's ongoing commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality educational resources that enrich the lives of individuals and communities."
Event Details
- What's in My Food? Decoding Chemicals and Safety
Discover how to decode food labels, bust myths, and take control of your plate.
Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. or Aug. 11 at 2 p.m.
- Gardening on a Budget
Learn how to start a container garden that nourishes your body and wallet.
April 14 at 10 a.m. or Sept. 10 at 10 a.m.
- Fur Real Companionship
Explore the healing power of companionship, even if you can't care for a pet yourself.
May 14 at 10 a.m. or Oct. 13 at 2 p.m.
- Become a Dementia Friend
Learn simple, powerful ways to support those with dementia in your community.
June 9 at 2 p.m. or Nov. 12 at 10 a.m.
Participation is free, but registration is required at go.illinois.edu/2026HCElessons.
For more information or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Dee Walls at walls1@illinois.edu or by phone at 217-300-6862. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
SOURCE: Cheri Burcham, family life educator, Illinois Extension.
WRITER: Herbert Chavez, media communications coordinator, Illinois Extension.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.