Online & Age Well Lectures Spark the Imagination — And Inspire Action!
- From brain health to Alaskan wildlife, Road Scholar Ronda has studied a wide range of topics through Road Scholar’s online lectures.
- Ronda particularly appreciated Road Scholar’s Age Well online lectures, a free series supporting mental and physical health through talks given by experts.
- Ronda called lecturer and 2026 keynote speaker Jane Pauley a role model for inspiring continued learning and curiosity.
Alaskan wildlife. America’s transcontinental railroad. Brain health. Family dynamics. The psychology of kindness. The power of connection.
These are some of the wide-ranging topics I have explored in Road Scholar’s online lectures. They appeal to my love of nature, sense of adventure and curiosity about the world — all from the comfort of my home. I’ve particularly enjoyed the free Age Well With Road Scholar lecture series, which offers something for everyone to help us enjoy new possibilities in life and flourish in health and well-being as we get older.
Continuing to Engage as We Age
As a new retiree, I’m excited for the time and opportunity to expand my knowledge and keep my brain stimulated. That was actually the point of one of my favorite Age Well presentations, “The Power of Neuroplasticity and the Resilient Brain” by Dr. Lisa D’Angelo, a professor at California State University, Sacramento. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s natural ability to change and grow by forming new neural connections throughout life.
Dr. D’Angelo said our brains have the potential to make new connections — no matter how old we are. I found this very empowering!
This lecture inspired me to work on my physical activity, social bonds, adequate sleep and healthy diet. Dr. D’Angelo also said that living with purpose is important, including activities as simple as feeding the hummingbirds in our backyard or as complex as taking care of a loved one. And, of course, learning something new helps keep us sharp. I’m so grateful to Road Scholar’s Age Well lectures for providing convenient opportunities to keep learning.
Inspiration for the Future From Jane Pauley
As a fellow baby boomer, I almost felt like Jane Pauley was a friend I used to visit every weekday when she co-anchored “The Today Show.” It was like I was reconnecting with her when I watched the April 2026 keynote she gave as a free online lecture about “Reimagining the Rest of Your Life.”
Jane appeared as gracious, poised and humble as ever. In her uplifting presentation, she joked about her hairdos over the years, filled us in about her family and shared stories of midlife revitalization. She touted curiosity as a lifelong practice to add spice to the next chapters of our lives. I imagine that this helps with neuroplasticity — and aging well.
Ever the role model, Jane Pauley reminded us about the importance of reinventing our lives and awakening to new opportunities as we age. My way of trying new things will continue to be Road Scholar’s online lectures — I appreciate the inspiration and fun that they bring to my life!
Ronda Robinson is a travel writer and lifelong learner who hails from Tennessee. She enjoys exploring and writing about different cultures in the U.S. and abroad. Her passions also include yoga, hiking, biking, swimming, music and volunteer work with children, animals and her spiritual community.
