“You’re never too old to learn!” It’s a truthful and encouraging adage, and one we should all embrace, especially those who have a desire to branch out in new directions. There are so many reasons for wanting to return to study as a mature adult! We know learning contributes to brain health, helping to keep us as sharp and mentally agile as we can be. It can also provide us with a sense of confidence as we embrace new interests and find new subjects on which to converse. Those who tackle study as mature adults also increase their social connections through learning with or from others, and often find they encourage family and friends to study, too. For some, of course, study is essential or highly desirable as a means of changing direction in the workforce, or further advancing in areas where they are already employed. However, beginning a course of study doesn’t happen unless you facilitate it, which is why we’re offering the suggestions, below, to help you get into the groove!
Enrol in the right course
Before you sign up, check the course is for you. Does it start where you leave off, or is it for those who are already very familiar with the subject area? If it’s a live course, does it take place at a convenient time (after all, courses can be international, and you don’t want to be working to northern hemisphere hours!) How demanding, in terms of the time, will the course be? Don’t be afraid to ask the necessary questions.
Carve out time
We all lead busy lives. If your study is to start and continue as you want it to, make sure to schedule it into your routine, and turn up on time (even if you’re learning from home). What’s more, let those around you know when your course times are, and that you are strictly unavailable during your ‘office’ hours.
Office space
Speaking of offices, be sure to create your own. Whether it’s a corner of the living room, the den, the spare bedroom, or a desk in your bedroom, make it your own – and make it an attractive place to come to. A comfortable office chair with adaptable height options, a clean screen on your device, headphones to keep interactions private, heating, a desk pad and pen holder – whatever you need to help you focus, arrange it ahead of time so there are no incentives for leaving your work station. You might even like to bring along a snack and a flask with a hot drink before you sit down to work. Get in the habit of leaving your work space spic and span so it’s encouraging to return to.
Tap into technology
There’s nothing more off-putting than sitting down to take part in a study course and finding you don’t know how to access the PDFs or join the Teams meeting. Get to grips with the technology before you begin (often, a younger member of the family will be more than willing to help out, or ask for advice from a tutor at Senior Net).
Make it social
Many courses (virtual or otherwise) offer the opportunity to be in contact with others who are studying alongside you (ask your tutor for details). If you are studying in a classroom situation, look for the chance to join a cafe tutorial group that takes place after the lesson.
Journal your progress
Going back to study can sometimes feel like hard work, especially once the novelty wears off. To help keep yourself on track, keep a study journal, and note down your feelings about the work, your progress, and your short and long term goals.
Enlist support
You won’t want to tell the whole world about your new course or your goals, but it will help you keep on track to share your ambitions with a trusted friend or family member (especially an older grandchild who is carrying out their own study at the same time). Sharing your goals, challenges, and achievements, is a recipe for success, especially when you check in with your trusted other on a regular basis.
Returning to study as an older adult, either through interest or necessity, is an exciting challenge, and one which can be made more possible with some advance planning. All the best with your course (and we’d love to hear of further tips you can offer others who are following suit!).