- What are the benefits of lifelong learning for elderly people?
- Types of courses that can be done
- Is lifelong learning still valid for the elderly?
Lifelong learning refers to the pursuit of further education and the development of extra skills beyond a person’s formal or mandatory education.
The main difference between the traditional education we do in our youth to lifelong learning is that the latter is voluntary. It’s a type of study we do for our own reasons. Best of all, anyone, no matter their age or background, can do it and, in some cases, you don’t have to enter a classroom!
Even if we don’t realize it, lifelong learning is something we all do in our lives. Every time we find a new way to deal with a situation, whether that is for work or our social lives, we’re learning. In an era filled with technological changes, it’s now more important than ever to keep on educating ourselves.
What are the benefits of lifelong learning for elderly people?
Improved cognitive functioning
Your mind is a muscle in a way, it requires constant exercise. The brain must stay active and learning new skills is a great way to keep it sharp. Lifelong learning can strengthen the memory of senior citizens by maintaining their brain cells. It enables them to remember pieces of information better.
The Mayo Clinic even found that staying mentally active can lower the risk of dementia or mild cognitive impairment for people aged 70 or above by engaging in activities such as socializing, games and crafts.
The study noted the more activities they partake in, the better. It concluded that it’s never too late to start, a notion that HeyArt openly advocates.
Self-confidence
Most of us have heard the expression “knowledge is power” by now. We know the more we learn, the more confident we feel. Our increased wisdom equips us to better handle many situations and solve problems that previously may have been unattainable, leading to a boost in self-esteem.
When we learn something new, we feel stronger, grow more confident, become more independent, and gain a sense of fulfillment.
All of this can lead to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling way of life for elderly people.
Meet new people
Loneliness becomes an ever-growing risk as we age. It can impact our health unless handled. One way the elderly can combat it is by enrolling in a class or course, surrounded by many of their peers, who likely will share at least one common interest with them – the course they’re doing.
For example, you could attend an art lecture and know that everyone in the class has an interest in art as well. It’s an icebreaker, a chance to interact with your classmates right from the off through a common passion.
It may open the door to new relationships in your life, help you meet more people, and perhaps even partake in group activities outside the classroom in a more sociable setting – like going on a hike or meeting at a restaurant.
A chance to learn something you’ve always wanted to
There is always something we’ve been meaning to do in our bucket list, but never could for one reason: Time.
Time is the one thing we never seem to get enough of, isn’t it?
Maybe you were busy at work, looking after the family, or something else. The bottom line, you just didn’t have the time.
Enter the golden years, however, you get an abundance of free time. You’re retired and free of your previous commitments. Now is the moment to pursue a new skill you’ve always wanted to learn. It could be painting, wood crafting, or maybe just learning how to draw.
The point is that you can finally have the satisfaction of grasping a skill you’ve always wanted to master, which in turn will leave you feeling good about yourself.
Types of courses that can be done
Below are some ideas for courses elderly people could enroll in to learn a new skill or hobby, such as:
- Find out how to paint or draw.
- Discover new recipes for cooking.
- Learn new gardening skills.
- Practice your dance moves
- Learn to do yoga or meditation.
- Become a DIY expert, and learn to make repairs.
- Catch up with the latest technology by signing up for a type of computer course.
Besides onsite courses, there are also an ample amount of e-learning websites on the internet offering the elderly a chance to enroll in a class and learn from the comfort of their own homes.
One such example is HeyArt, where we provide a range of art and craft courses tailored for senior citizens. They can be done in your own time and come with a diploma. Students will even be able to interact with their fellow students and show off their work on a Facebook group.
Feel free to find out more about the courses on HeyArt by visiting this link.
Is lifelong learning still valid for the elderly?
Yes, lifelong learning is still very much valid for elderly people.
We’ve noted how they can benefit from undertaking such a route from a health and life perspective. The days of employment may be over, but there is no reason to stop learning. Education helps them grow as people, develop new connections, live fuller lives in a safe and inclusive community, and gain new skills.
We stay active, healthy, and fit by continuing to learn throughout our lives. There is no getting around that. Retirement also enables the elderly to learn and pick up new skills. These two aspects, when combined, can elevate them in a world that is constantly evolving.
HeyArt mission is to give you a little bit of focus and peace of mind every other day through Art & Craft learning online.
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