The habit of learning is one that adults often foster in children, but it can also be a good plan for healthy living throughout your life.
Individuals who tackle new educational opportunities maintain their zest for life and enjoy better health, as well as a more satisfying social life. If you are considering taking on pursuing an associates degree or other goal in your later years, you are likely to benefit in a number of ways from your endeavor.
Intellectual Stimulation
For those who have retired from their usual field of work, the change of pace and lack of mental challenges can pose a problem. These individuals are often used to constant interactions with a team of co-workers and a wealth of problem-solving opportunities offered by an average workday. Pursing new educational opportunities can be an appropriate remedy for post-retirement boredom and can provide topics to aid in social interactions. Studies show that the earlier you retire, the more likely you are to experience cognitive decline because of lack of stimulation.
Seniors often become more socially isolated after retirement and often have fewer opportunities to learn new subjects and skills. This lack of intellectual stimulation can lead to memory problems and slower cognitive function. New learning helps to counteract this effect.
Greater Ability to Connect with Young People and the Wider World
Often, retired individuals become disconnected from what’s going on in the wider community, and they may find it more difficult to engage with grandchildren and other younger people in society. The knowledge and information provided by lifelong learning allows older people a greater understanding of the experiences of young people and the wider world. This ability not only provides mental stimulation, but also a better connection to younger family members and others.
Enhanced Access to Work Opportunities
If you are a senior who must, or prefers to, keep working after the age of 65, demonstrating your ability to acquire new skills and compete intellectually will be seen as a recommendation for job opportunities you may wish to pursue. Acquiring an associates degree in a specific area of study can be key to allowing you to enter a new field that interests you.
Better Physical Health
Individuals who remain intellectually engaged appear to enjoy better physical health, as well as having improved mental acuity and memory. This result appears to come from the mental activity causing individuals to get up and engage to pursue their interests. So exercising your mind also helps to exercise your body, with all the health benefits that normally accrue from such activity.
You Can Take Advantage of Free or Low-Cost Programs
Your desire to continue learning in your later years can also qualify you for a number of free or low-cost courses that are available in many communities across the country.
These programs have become available as greater understanding of the benefits of lifelong learning for seniors become better known.
These programs can help you to begin or continue your studies, as well as bring you into other seniors who are also pursuing subjects that interest them.
Lifelong learning is not just a phrase for the young. It can be a way of thinking that helps you to gain greater quality of life throughout the years. If you have a curious mind, enjoy intellectual challenges and know how to apply yourself to a subject, you can continue your learning opportunities, regardless of your age.
Research the many avenues that are now available to help you explore new subjects and develop new skills. You will find that your academic pursuits enrich you both mentally and experientially.
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