In person, at senior centers
We partner with municipal senior centers to host live presentations and guided discussion events, meeting seniors where they are.
Our partnerships →A Teaching Organization · Philosophy for all
The biggest questions
don't retire.
Discussions of ideas and values ought to be intergenerational. At OMNIA, we bring the study of philosophy to the older adults that ground our communities and beliefs.
In partnership with
American Philosophical Association
Official partner & funder
Andover, Reading, Chemlsford, more...
Senior Center Partners
MA Executive Office of Aging and Independence
State Government collaboration
Massachusetts Councils on Aging
Caregiver network
Portland Elder Care Council
Regional partner
Our impact so far
Measured in seniors,
not in good intentions
We work to bring philosophy learning resources to as many people as we can.
60+
Seniors taught directly, in person and online
Across Massachusetts, Maryland & Washington senior centers
1,750+
Older adults reached nationwide with readings and resources
Via the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Portland Elder
Care Council, and other newsletters
1,100 +
Caregivers reached with philosophy lesson plans
Through Councils on Aging and regional partners
1 of 5
Projects funded in the APA's Berry Fund grant cycle
Selected by the American Philosophical Association
A seven-person team · Curriculum developed with the consultation of Prof. Schechter at Brown University and Dr. Stewart at Chapman University
Why we exist
Philosophy has spent centuries inside the Academy. We think the people with the most life to draw from deserve it most of all.
Engaging with philosophy builds cognitive reserve, sharpens reasoning, and makes everyday life more meaningful. OMNIA exists to put that within reach of every older adult through lessons and discussion.
What we do
Three ways we bring
philosophy to seniors
Live, online together
For those we can't reach in person, we host virtual discussion meetings to facilitate intergenerational conversations everywhere.
Join a session →Free resources for all
Our growing online guide with curated readings, discussion prompts, and writing exercises so that anyone can practice philosophy on their own terms.
Start exploring →
Why philosophy
It's good for the mind —
and good for the soul.
A sharper, healthier brain
Active philosophical thinking builds cognitive reserve, the mental resilience linked to lower dementia risk with age.
Clearer reasoning
Whether it is making a claim, weighing evidence, or hearing another view, philosophy is rigorous practice for communicating well on everything from family to politics.
A more meaningful life
Some questions have no tidy answer. Asking them anyway keeps us from taking the most important parts of life for granted.
In their words
“I haven't been asked what I think about anything in years. Now I look forward to Wednesdays.”
— Participant, Massachusetts senior center
From our sessions
Philosophy, in practice
Work with us
Bring philosophy to your community.
We provide the curriculum, the facilitators, and the materials — free to centers and participants alike. If you'd like to host OMNIA, or simply use our resources, we'd love to hear from you.