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Retirees make lasting connections at PEIR

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The walls of Hofstra USA, a casual dinning hall on the campus of Hofstra University in Uniondale, are echoing with noise in the mid-afternoon. Students and classmates are relaxing as they break from their daily schedules of presentations and lectures.

On most afternoons, these students inside Hofstra USA are retirees, continuing their life-long pursuit of education in their retirement. The PEIR program at the university allows retirees to participate in their own education by conducting research and leading lessons on subjects they are knowledgeable and passionate about.

The program is not all work and no play, however, as the roar inside Hofstra USA can prove. In fact, members of the program said that they have made meaningful, life-long connections as a result of PEIR.

“Ask anyone and they will tell you, PEIR really is a life-saving program,” said Ruth Sussman, an 84 year-old Amityville resident. “And it’s true, PEIR really did help save my life. The people here really do care about each other and look out for one another.”

Sussman, who has presented on subjects like art, architecture and history, said the deep connections in the program were crucial during one of the most difficult portions of her life.

“I missed a few weeks after my husband died, and I wasn’t sure if I’d return without him,” she said. “But when I did first come back, it was remarkable, a dozen people, maybe more came up to me to say how sorry they were to hear about my loss and asked how they could help. It really is something special.”

Sussman isn’t the only one to build relationships at the program.

“It really is a welcoming place,” said Art Mattson, a 71 year-old Lynbrook resident and village historian. “The people here really open their arms to you and people build a lot of great friendships. It’s a great thing.”

Robert Kaplan, a 74 year old North Woodmere resident, said the connections he’s made at the program are what motivate him to visit the Hofstra campus four days a week.

“The camaraderie of all of the people here really is contagious,” Kaplan said. “It really makes the program enjoyable. It adds to the educational aspect of it, and really does help to keep other parts of your mind stimulated.”

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