Never Stop Starting

Ideally, we would learn something new every day, and make the acquisition of knowledge a priority all our lives. As children,  we learned non-stop – how our world worked, how to behave and more about our hobbies and interests.

When we started formal schooling, we learnt maths, science, language etc. We learned about making friends, music, art, hobbies and dealing with authority.

After high school or university we learnt about a job and workplace politics. Learning was both mandatory and necessary. Learning of a different kind was important once we had a spouse and family – that learning curve is incredibly steep!

In older age learning becomes optional. We are no longer required to learn new things, at this point we can choose to
continue to learn new things or stop learning. However, are you content to stop learning? The world is changing so fast that it is easy to be a bit left behind without opening your mind to new things, and countless studies show that learning in older age can improve happiness, wellbeing and connection to the wider community.

Recognised benefits of learning in the latter stages of life include delaying the onset of Alzheimers, improving people’s mental health and reducing reliance on medications. All levels of learning, whether it be mental activities or artistic
immersion, can help older people achieve a healthier life.

In a survey of older learners, people gave the following reasons for wanting to undertake some form of learning;
• To get information about the ageing process
• Spending free time with a sense of purpose
• Making up for missed learning
• To stay up with changes (such as technology)
• To maintain a sense of competence
• To train the brain
• Broaden social contacts,
• Spiritual (meaning of life) understanding
• Learning new skills to help others
• Building self-expression and creativity
• Pleasure in processing new knowledge
• A sense of increased respect and recognition
• Enhanced resilience to the biological challenges of ageing
• Preserving further useful activity in society

Learning contributes to enrichment of all components of quality of life; basic needs, personal relations, significant engagements and changes.

Pablo Casals, regarded as one of the world’s greatest cello players and composers, expressed his desire to keep learning when he was asked why he continued to practice at age 90. “Because I think I am making progress,” he replied.