The importance of lifelong learning

Lifelong learning is simply doing something that satisfies your need to explore, learn, and grow. Let curiosity guide you. You’ll improve your quality of life and sense of self-worth by paying attention to what inspires you.

Adult life is full of responsibility and commitments, so it’s natural to shy away from trying new things. Later in life there can be more time to pursue interests. However, when you’ve been living within your comfort zone, it’s easy to forget how much fun it can be to face a new challenge.

There’s joy in learning new things because it can give you a sense of satisfaction and mastery. It’s also a great way to keep active and make new friends.

1. Be curious and let your curiosity guide you. You never know where your interests will lead you.
2. Motivate yourself to start. Figuring out what inspires you is a reminder you can do things in life that you want to do.
3. Lifelong learning is free. However, if you can afford it, invest in yourself when you are genuinely motivated to learn something that isn’t free.
4. Aim to enjoy the challenge of the process. This is better for your brain than being good at what you’re learning.
5. Try new things on a regular basis. For more information, get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.

• Developing new skills. For example, gardening, public speaking, reading music, photography, pottery, or work-related skills needed for a different job or voluntary role.
• Learning a new sport or activity. For example, yoga, martial arts, table tennis, pickleball, or an exercise program taught by a personal trainer.
• Learning to use a new technology. For example, smart devices and apps, new generation TVs and appliances, gaming consoles, or driving a new car.
• Learning to teach others the valuable skills you’ve mastered in your life.

There are no age limits to learning. This has been backed up in hundreds of studies. Researchers are now paying more attention to neuroplasticity as we age. There’s even a study proving that age isn’t a barrier for learning new motor skills (NIH-NLM 2007)

Older adults all over the world are demonstrating the benefits of lifelong learning every day. This is one of the best ways to stay engaged, keep active, and make new connections with like-minded people.

It’s also never too late to find out more about something you’ve always wanted to learn. The most remarkable example of this is Mary Walker. She was born into slavery in Alabama in the mid-19th century and learnt to read at the age of 116!