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5 Benefits of Lifelong Learning for Seniors

Posted on Dec 18, 2024

Passion projects. Reading articles. Watching documentaries. Attending seminars or online courses. Lifelong learning can take many forms. According to a report by AARP, 55% of Americans ages 45+ are actively learning new skills and information, and 68% plan to in the future.

From mental acuity to enjoying daily life, here are 5 benefits of lifelong learning for seniors, and how retirement communities like The Virginian, located in Fairfax, VA, make lifelong learning easy and enjoyable:

Strengthen Cognitive Abilities

A key benefit to adult education and lifelong learning is keeping your brain active and supporting your mind’s cognitive abilities. Whether due to side effects of natural aging or being out of practice learning new skills, it can take longer for us to problem-solve and complete tasks as we age. Lifelong learning helps keep our minds sharp and ready to absorb new information, which can help combat symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other cognitive decline.

A Sense Of Accomplishment & Purpose

Another reason why lifelong learning is important in health is the personal fulfillment and purpose it can provide. Without a set schedule for your day, it can be easy to let the hours slip away. Lifelong learning gives your morning or afternoon structure, as well as new experiences to look forward to, goals to achieve, and increased confidence as you accomplish them. Discovering (or rediscovering!) a passion or interest is one of retirement’s greatest joys!

Decrease Your Stress

While learning calculus or world history may have been stressful for you in school, the good news about lifelong learning is that you choose which interests you want to pursue. Playing a musical instrument, crafting, learning a new sport, or enjoying a podcast are all amazing lifelong learning opportunities, and they can help lower your stress while also keeping your mind active (and if you do enjoy math or history, there are tons of great podcasts, articles, and books to choose from!).

Enjoy A Varied And Rich Social Life

Learning in retirement is also a great way to stay socially active and make new connections with friends and neighbors. Attending learning opportunities or group activities is a great way to expand your social network and meet those with similar interests to you, which can also reduce and prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Stay Engaged With The World Around You

Lifelong learning, especially understanding today’s technology, is a great way to stay informed and current with modern-day topics and innovations. New programs, gadgets, and online tools are continually being developed (including many specifically geared toward older adults!). Taking advantage of this technology can help you keep up with politics, world issues, scientific discoveries, and more.

Getting Started With Lifelong Learning

The good news when it comes to lifelong learning is that it can take many forms, and how you learn is up to you (in fact, by reading this article you’ve already started!). Here are a few easy ways to start lifelong learning today:

• Learn (or rediscover) a new hobby. YouTube is a great resource for all kinds of instructional and informational videos.

• Pick up an instrument.

• Join a sports team.

• Watch a documentary.

• Try a new recipe in the kitchen.

Lifelong Learning at The Virginian

The Virginian, located in Fairfax, VA, makes lifelong learning easy, enjoyable, and seamlessly part of your daily routine. Enjoy our campus, set on 32 acres of beautifully wooded and landscaped land, with daily exercise classes, sports courts, an extensive library, hobby groups, and much more!

We are proud to offer The Virginian Scholars Program, which encourages residents to earn credit hours for health and wellness activities both within our community and through outside educational organizations. Lectures are also available through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University, the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia Community College, and the online education platform MasterClass.

Our community’s rich activities calendar also features continuing education classes, volunteer programs, and a range of social groups, as well as our Fit Minds program which provides customized group brain exercises and activities for a wide range of cognitive abilities.

Contact us to learn more about our exciting and engaging community and schedule a tour to visit us in person.