When you’re done with school as a young teen or adult, do you stop learning? No! We are learning new information all the time. Learning opportunities are limitless – whether you want to read a new book, take a local community class, or travel around the world to explore history and different cultures. Take a moment here to learn, and enhance your wellness and lifespan today:
A Sharper Mind
Learning new things keeps the brain active. This helps to maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related decline. Learning actually rewires the brain! It prompts the brain to form new neural connections, promoting adaptability and resilience.
On top of feeling sharper, lifelong learning will keep you in the game, longer. It will hone your critical thinking skills and creativity. Staying informed about changes in technology, health, and society helps aging adults adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Mental Health Benefits
There are a few ways in which committing to learning may help to bolster your mental health, too:
- Social Connections: Participating in classes or group learning activities offers social interactions, which can combat loneliness and improve mental health. In addition, you have the opportunity to learn from one another and share experiences, knowledge, or curiosities.
- Sense of Purpose: Continued learning can provide a sense of achievement and purpose, enhancing overall well-being and life satisfaction.
- Stress Reduction: Acquiring new knowledge or skills gives the sense of growing and completing something. These feelings of accomplishment help to manage stress and anxiety. Plus, you can refine your learning to the subjects and activities that bring you the most joy.
Continued learning throughout life fosters curiosity and a love for exploration. This can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. Incorporating lifelong learning, for example, taking a moment to read an article like this, can significantly enhance quality of life as you age. Stay curious for lifelong health.
Written by: Stephanie Anklan, Registered Dietitian
