Q. I’ve been in classrooms all my life, first as a student, then as a teacher for more than 40 years. I have some health issues and made the decision to retire a few years ago. While I don’t regret retirement, I miss being around students and others who love to learn. When I was a teacher, I learned something new every week and I really do believe you are never too old to learn. What opportunities do you know of that might help me?
A. I agree with you: Learning is a lifelong journey. I find that I learn something new all the time, whether it’s informally from my family, friends, and coworkers, or in more structured ways, through a training or presentation by an expert.
Research has shown that lifelong learning especially benefits older adults. It helps to exercise our brain, keeps us socially engaged, helps build confidence, and may even contribute to longer lives. Some people engage in lifelong learning to help with advancing at their jobs, while others do so for personal development. Whatever your reason is, here are some ways you might continue to learn as you age:
- Attend courses at a local community college. Northern Essex Community College (www.necc.mass.edu) offers classes for personal enrichment, occupational training, or professional development. These classes are open to adults of all ages. They have a “Let’s Talk Current Events” session where groups of seniors meet virtually every week to discuss the latest news and events. They also provide courses in culinary arts, interior design, bookkeeping or computer skills.
- Learn a new language. Libraries, colleges, and some community organizations offer classes that can help you become conversational in a second (or third!) language. If you like technology, you can also find many different apps or web-based programs that can help you learn Spanish, Portuguese, French or any other language at your own pace.
- Share your expertise to help others learn. Many retired individuals volunteer to teach others at local senior centers, YMCAs, or adult education centers. As a former teacher, you might be great at helping others learn how to read better or to speak and write in English.
There is no right or wrong way to practice lifelong learning. It’s just important to do it in a way that works for you. Think about your interests, your goals for learning, and the ways that you think you can be most successful in achieving them. Best of luck to you and don’t forget to pass on your learnings to others!
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
