Senior citizens will have the chance to savour the tastes, sounds and sights of Italy without leaving Bermuda thanks to new courses being offered at the Seniors Learning Centre (SLC) at the Bermuda College.Registration is open now for study in Italian wine tasting, art, Italian fashion and Italian opera, among other things, this semester.Janet Ferguson, Executive Director of the SLC, said the Italian theme was sparked by a film class run by Bermuda College professor Sajni Tolaram.“We have looked at films with themes such as adaptations, Second World War and historical films,” said Ms Ferguson. “Some of the members asked us could we do an Italian theme. The idea expanded and we decided to add several courses focused on Italy.”(Of course they are still offering courses that are not about Italy.)Robin Blackburne of Blackburne Wine Selections will teach the wine course from a historic approach. Professor Tolaram will teach an Italian film class.Matthew Nestor will lead the Italian opera appreciation class. Unfortunately, there won’t be an Italian language course added, but they may look at it for next year if the interest is there.Ms Ferguson said she had never been to Italy, but many of the SLC members had and were excited about the upcoming classes.“Some of our members have Italian connections, and speak the language and some have working relationships with it,” said Ms Ferguson.People have to be 55 years or older to join the SLC. Their oldest members are in their 90s.“The older members are firm supporters of our keep fit programmes and current affairs classes” said Ms Ferguson. “We are experiencing a bit of a wave, because the baby boomers are just coming on line.“I think we are seeing people who are having shifts in their lives, who are interested in learning things and doing things they haven’t done previously.”She said a lot of people after 55 years old go through a “third age”. They suddenly realise if they are going to do all the things they dreamed of doing, they need to get on with it.“They develop a greater interest in caring for themselves and they take a greater interest in art because one tends to become more reflective,” she said.Membership is $25 a year or $150 for life. There is also a small course fee. For example if you register for the rambling club you get 12 two to three hour long walks a semester for $15.“We try to keep our prices down because many of our people are on fixed incomes,” Ms Ferguson said. “There is no course that costs more than a visit to the hairdresser.”To register telephone 239-4029 or go to the Bermuda College website www.college.bm/programmes/special/slc.You can also pick up a course brochure at your local post office.