Learning something new can be empowering, inspiring, and fun. If you're looking for something to enjoy now that you have some extra free time, or if you find yourself ready to tackle a new challenge, try hitting the books and continuing your education. You'll find that you can explore various topics without committing to earning a specific degree (though you can if you'd like!).
What are the Benefits of Continuing Education for Seniors?
Any new learning can benefit your memory, attention span, and much more. Recent studies over the past decade have drawn a significant line between new learning and positive cognitive health.
Benefits of new learning and continuing education for seniors can include:
- Memory improvements, especially when you learn a new skill
- Reduced cognitive decline
- Increased self-esteem and self-advocacy
- New social connections with friends and peers
- Advancing your learning about a particular topic and becoming an expert
Finally, attending a class or pursuing new learning enhances a purposeful and healthy lifestyle. What's not to love?
Finding Educational Opportunities As We Age
When searching for educational opportunities for seniors, keep yourself from thinking about a traditional classroom setting. While you can certainly find new learning opportunities in schools in your area, you can also find new learning through other avenues. Here are a few resources to get you started.
Community Colleges and Universities
Chances are, your local community college or university has special programs or opportunities for education for retirees and seniors. Some colleges allow adults over 65 to audit courses for free, while others have significant discounts if you pursue a formal degree; great! If you want to pick and choose courses out of the catalog that interests you, that's wonderful too. You get to create your continuing education path.
Libraries or School Districts
Many libraries and school districts offer new learning classes for adults of all ages. Grab a course brochure and look to see if anything strikes your fancy. You might want to learn more about genealogy, a new language, or even how to write a novel.
Apps
While you certainly increase the health benefits of new learning in a group setting, you can also utilize technology to help you continue your studies at home. Try learning a new language with daily, quick check-ins with apps like Duolingo. Or, hone a specific creative or other skill by using instruction apps that track your progress.
MasterClass
Learn from some of the best in the world by logging on to MasterClass, a subscription-based education platform. You can choose courses or instructors that are interesting to you, ranging from classes about motivation to leadership to creative arts.
Educational Travel
Ready to take your education on the road? Plan educational travel opportunities through a senior-friendly company like Road Scholar. You'll not only meet new people and learn through experiences but also love finding a global community during your trip.
Senior Planet
AARP's Senior Planet is an online educational community for adults. Programs are free; you can take them live online or on demand. Even more exciting, if you live in certain cities across the country, you can take Senior Planet classes in person.
Senior Living Residences
Finally, the best-kept secret about senior living residences is that new learning opportunities abound there! Legend Senior Living residences, for example, offer historical lectures, art workshops, writing classes, and more any given month, depending on the residents' preferences. If you're searching for socialization with new friends and opportunities for new learning, you can check both boxes at Legend Senior Living.
Schedule a visit and see for yourself. Until then, happy new learning!