The Story of LLIR
Celebrating a Canadian First in Honour of Canada’s 150th Birthday
The Beginning of a Unique Idea
In the early 1970’s, a few retired individuals had an original idea – to continue learning, growing, and connecting through education. That idea became Living and Learning in Retirement (LLIR), the oldest third age learning group in Canada — and possibly the world.
Today, over 1200 people now enrich their lives through general interest courses at Glendon College, York University, in Toronto, Ontario.
1972: Inspiration from New Horizons
The journey began when the federal Department of Health and Welfare launched the New Horizons Programme, offering grants to retired individuals for community-benefiting projects.
A small group in North Toronto embraced the opportunity and approached The Rev. Dr. Thomas Davies, who captured their vision:
“I want to be kept up to date to be a full-fledged citizen. I need nourishment for the mind, in the company my contemporaries, in a program which we choose and manage for ourselves.”
1973: LLIR Takes Shape
On February 1, 1973, the first official meeting was held, leading to the creation of Living and Learning in Retirement with Mr. H.W. Simpson as its first president. A grant request was submitted to host a seminar. Though funding was delayed, a one-day conference went ahead on June 20, 1973, supported by Dr. Albert Tucker, Principal of Glendon College.
From this conference, the first course was born — Canadian Studies, developed by Helen Charney from York University’s Centre for Continuing Education. This course featured 12 weekly full-day sessions and ran from September to December 1973. Though intended for 50 participants, 144 people registered, highlighting overwhelming interest.
The Glendon College Partnership
By 1976, Glendon professor Dr. Michiel Horn became LLIR’s first Academic Advisor, serving until 2005, followed by Prof. Geoffrey Ewen.
Originally focused on Canadian Studies, LLIR expanded its offerings in 1979 to include a variety of topics. A volunteer programming committee, informed by member suggestions, ensures well-balanced course offerings each fall and winter term— from Big Ideas in Western Thought to Jazz.
Growth and Recognition
In 1978, LLIR’s journey was shared in a book titled Keeping Canada Together. LLIR’s success inspired others across Canada and the U.S. to create similar groups.
To meet the growing demand for advice, Third Age Learning Associates was formed under Janet McPhee, LLIR President from 1976 to 1979. This led to the publication of the manual Keeping Your Mind Alive in 1986, helping nearly 30 similar groups form in Ontario alone.
That same year, Janet McPhee received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Glendon College for her contributions to Canadian theatre and lifelong learning.
After her passing in 1991, Third Age Learning Associates ceased operations. It was later succeeded by the Third Age Network (TAN), of which LLIR is now a proud member.