OLLI starts season with health care reform

Why do Americans pay so much for health care?

How do politicians and lobbyists influence the way medical care is financed and delivered in the United States? Can the system be improved?

Don and Mary Schlichtmann of Oro Valley, whose combined professional careers total 51 years in health care administration, will lead discussions on “Health Care Reform - Is It Possible?” when the Green Valley affiliate of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at The University of Arizona launches its fall semester, which begins Sept. 29 and continues through Nov. 21.

“Because of the controversial and timely nature of the subject matter, we assume that the class will involve a lively exchange of ideas,” Don said.

Group participation is an important component of the nationwide, university-affiliated OLLI program for adults over 50 who love learning and want to continue doing so in the company of others who share their passion for knowledge.

Other controversial queries to be addressed during the OLLI/GV fall semester include:

Are war, violence and terrorism caused by biology or environment?

What is the connection between psychology and consumer behavior?

Does the mind affect the health of the body?

Will China be the next global superpower?

Are labor unions obsolete?

Also included in the fall curriculum are:

Investing 101 - Beginner’s Guide

The American Presidents

The ‘50s

American Poets - 1920-1970

Great Nature Writers in America

Introduction to Judaism

Dreams and Spirituality

The Stage Director

Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans

Faces and Places of the Tohono O’odham

How the Media Have Changed

Members also may explore Classical Jazz, Shakespeare, Readers Theater, Films that Speak, Photographic Composition, Journeys Abroad, Museums in Tucson and Supervised Bridge.

Most study groups meet for 1? hours once a week, Monday through Friday, for either four or eight weeks. A few assorted topics are addressed in one or two classes on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

Green Valley class locations include:

First American Title Insurance Co. (in the Green Valley Mall)

Casa de Esperanza (780 S. Park Centre Ave. on the La Posada campus)

Quail Creek Arts Center (1490 N. Quail Range Loop, Bldg. 1)

The cost of an OLLI/Green Valley membership is $75 for a two-month semester or $125 for the entire year, which includes fall, spring and summer programs. Members may participate in any or all of the classes offered in Green Valley.

Membership/registration packets with specific class information are available at the Joyner-Green Valley Library, or contact Penny Schmitt at the OLLI/UA office (520) 626-9039 or ollimail@u.arizona.edu.