The Benefits of Lifelong Learning
Keeping the mind active and stimulated is just as important as being physically active. Lifelong Learning contributes to overall wellbeing by:
- Challenging the mind to keep neuropathways active
- Expanding knowledge and the sharing of ideas enforces empathy and understanding
- Keeping boredom that leads to anxiety and depression at bay
- Being socially engaged in a classroom setting
- Exercising thinking, learning and remembering skills
- Improving our memory
And best of all, pursuing interests in retirement that life responsibilities may not have allowed for earlier!
Engaging with topics of interest in a meaningful way gives one a sense of purpose and achievement. Consider Margaret Fisher’s study about Informal Learning of Seniors in Canadian Society, which sheds light on the correlation between Lifelong Learning and improved health and self-confidence.
Research studies by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) also suggest that activities involving thinking, learning and remembering can prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s or other aging-related dementia. By exercising your brain regularly, you are inherently strengthening its ability to cope with challenges and build resilience against age-related disorders.
Informal vs. Structured Lifelong Learning
While we immediately picture Structured Lifelong Learning: Course enrolment or educational travel, Informal Lifelong Learning is just as valuable. From reading the newspaper to joining a book or walking club, doing a puzzle or morning Sudoku, whatever inspires you to stimulate the mind and absorb new information is a worthwhile pastime.
Blogging, photography, and journaling are another way to recap life events and learnings that allow you to absorb and analyze new information while deepening your experience of it.
Where to Pursue Learning Opportunities
Universities
More and more, age is becoming just a number. While older adults may not be the target demographic for most universities, they do recognize the demand for Lifelong Learning and a lot of them offer opportunities to engage with learning: From full credit courses to auditing classes at McMaster University, to UBC’s courses “for general interest, free of application, tuition or student fees” applicable to those ages 65 and over, major educational institutions see the value in fostering Lifelong Learning at all ages.
The Government of Canada also offers a Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) that allows you to withdraw from your RRSPs to finance full-time training or education. Explore more at canada.ca.
Verve Senior Living
As part of The Verve Difference, we understand that Lifelong Learning is crucial to healthy, active aging. Our clubs and activities are designed to accommodate all levels of mobility and skill, ensuring each and every one of our Verve residents experiences a fulfilling journey with us.
Discover:
- Fitness classes and walking clubs
- Knitting, woodworking, gardening, painting, puzzles, and book clubs
- Bingo, cards, and crafts
- Excursions to museums, galleries, and entertainment venues
- Fitness classes including Walk Fit, Drum Fit, Go4Life, Dance classes, and Yoga
- Arts programs including Meet Me at the MoMA, Artfull Enrichment Program, Java Music Club, Java Memory Club, and Fit Minds
- Guest speakers specializing in music, art, health, education, technology, and politics
- Regularly scheduled live entertainment
Other Resources for Lifelong Learning
- Local community and seniors’ centers offer courses from fitness to the arts.
- Public libraries hold informational evenings, classes, and other programs
- Coursera.org offers online courses from notable universities (UBC, U of A, and more) and lecturers. Some are free!
- Academy for Lifelong Learning Toronto offers workshops, talks, walks, and special events
When it comes to keeping our brains alert, memories sharp, and overall wellbeing in check, Lifelong Learning plays a vital roll to being mentally stimulated.
