The benefits of learning something new in your older years is well documented. Diving into a new skill is beneficial for anyone, but particularly for older adults; positive results are seen in mental, physical, and emotional health.
Learning stimulates our brains and helps keep our cognitive skills sharp. Whether it’s learning a new skill or studying a topic we are interested in, it’s stimulating our brains and engaging our curiosity. Some people are interested in engaging their bodies as well – from chair yoga to pickle ball – physical activity helps us stay limber and keep moving. Both mental and physical exercise can have a great benefit to our overall feeling of competence and self-confidence. Additionally, many learning opportunities include an element of socialization with others either in-person or online, and these personal connections are important to our emotional well-being.
When we are “kids” we are constantly learning whether at school or just being exposed to new things and new people in life. Then we hit adulthood and face many years of obligatory responsibilities; while we are still learning from our experiences, we are not necessarily choosing what we learn. Then, finally, in our older years, we get to choose what we want to learn and . . . now that we have built all this life experience, it’s the perfect time to focus on our individual interests. According to an AARP study, 42% of adults 45 and older are engaged in “lifelong learning” and many more say they intend on engaging in learning as they continue to age.
There has never been a better time for older adults to engage in learning. With baby boomers in retirement now, businesses targeting older adult learning are at an all-time high. The market aimed at lifelong learning is a $5.6 billion industry. Additionally, if we can say there was a silver-lining to the COVID cloud, it would be the development of increased in online engagement which impacted the educational/training field in a big way. Post-COVID we can still enjoy access to a high level of online learning opportunities.
Cost can be a factor, however, while some learning opportunities come with a price tag, many do not. Often community colleges offer classes to seniors for free – what have you always wanted to learn about? Find a class! Many libraries and museums also offer day-time educational programs that are geared toward non-working adults. If it’s physical activity you are interested in, look into the gyms in your area; many offer “Silver Sneakers” or other discount memberships for older adults.
If online learning is more appealing to you, there’s plenty to pick from and a lot of it is free. You-Tube is a great place to start or google for free online classes. Even the for-pay online providers will often offer a free introductory trial period.
Milestone Senior Services offers a large selection of free online classes on our website. Visit the Classes page of our website Here you will find a wide variety of categories such as arts & crafts, food, finances, technology, fitness, travel, and much more. The classes change with new videos being added regularly. The sessions vary in length, and some are a “series” so you can digest a topic in smaller bites and continue later. There is truly something for everyone here.
Why not make a commitment to learn something new? Get started now because you are never too old to learn!
