Learning expands the mind. Learning fuels the soul. Learning enriches lives.

Learning knows no age limits.

Landis Homes' Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning isn't a high school, but its students are seniors.

"One of the keys of healthy aging is engaging the mind with new adventures," said Beth Graybill, Pathways Institute's manager at Landis Homes. "It's a way to stay engaged with our interests. The social aspect is an important part of it. It helps people get outside of their comfort zones and engage with other seniors in topics they care about."

All of Pathways Institute of Lifelong Learning's classes and courses are taught at Landis Homes Senior Living Community, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lancaster. The courses are designed for individuals age 55 and older, and the classes attract people who are into their 80s and 90s.

"The goal is to provide educational opportunities for folks 55-plus in Lancaster County," said Graybill. "It's really a path to enrichment and service. We are all lifelong learners, even in our senior years."

Pathways Institute offers up to 40 classes in both the fall and the spring. The fall schedule of classes begins on Wednesday, Sept. 17, and runs through Wednesday, Dec. 10.

There are fees and memberships associated with taking the courses.

"(The classes) are really engaging," said Graybill, a Lancaster city resident. "The presenters give information, and there's always time for questions and feedback. It tends to be very interactive. It's a nice opportunity for people in the Lititz area."

Some of the wide variety of topics covered in the courses include local history, studies of renowned authors, cooking, crafting, foreign affairs, contemporary issues, pets, musical history, the arts and health. The courses include field-trip-like off-site excursions and service-learning opportunities.

There are no tests or grades associated with the classes.

"People take the classes for the intellectual engagement," said Graybill. "It's a way to engage your curiosity and dive into subjects you didn't have time for when you were working. Some of the topics are things to consider as you age."

As many as 400 Lancaster County students attend Pathways courses each semester. Approximately half of the participants are Landis Communities residents; some are residents of other local retirement communities; and others reside in the northern portions of Lancaster County, the city of Lancaster or communities like Columbia.

"They are average people who have time on their hands," said Graybill. "They are people who are interested in continuing lifelong learning."

"We are supported by Landis Homes as an added service for residents," continued Graybill. "We find that some residents choose Landis Homes because of Pathways. Pathways is one of the many opportunities available to residents at Landis Homes."

Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning's teaching staff is made up of 30 instructors from local communities and surrounding communities across Lancaster County.

"Many are retired themselves," said Graybill. "Some are former teachers or just people who have passions in particular areas."

Pathways is financed through tuition fees, donations and funds provided by Landis Communities.

"It's educational enrichment and surface learning," said Graybill. "It's about engaging our minds and spirits to become holistically involved in the wider community."

Pathways Institute was established at Landis Homes Senior Living Community in 2007. Over the past 18 years, Pathways has served thousands of Lancaster County seniors seeking to expand their knowledge bases and sharpen their minds.

Pathways Institute began as an extension of Messiah Lifeways senior living in Mechanicsburg.

"We've grown a lot," said Graybill. "We have a lot more people taking our programs. We have a broader array of classes. We now have name recognition, and we have teachers seeking us out instead of us beating the bushes for instructors." For additional information, go to http://www.thepathwaysinstitute.org.