How Lifelong Learning Can Help You Stay Sharp in Retirement

Keep reading to learn the benefits of lifelong learning and a few ideas for activities that boost your brain power.
Continuing your education doesn’t have to be done in a classroom. There are numerous learning opportunities in everyday life to challenge your brain, and those who embrace their curiosity enjoy the benefits of lifelong learning.

5 Life-Changing Benefits of Lifelong Learning

1. Improve Cognition and Your Overall Brain Health

Your mind works like a muscle. To stay fit, it needs continual learning, growth and interesting challenges. By seeking out new learning activities, you create new neural pathways that strengthen the circuitry of your brain.

2. Grow Self-Confidence

As you increase your abilities and your knowledge base, you’ll feel an encouraging sense of accomplishment. With more skills and experience, your self-image and confidence will expand over time.

3. Rest Better at Night

Challenging workouts tire your body and help you get better sleep. Challenging your mind helps in the same way. When your brain is more tired at the end of the day, sleep comes easier, and you can get a good night’s rest.

4. Learn Everyday Skills

Incorporate your new competencies into your daily life. Maybe you’re learning a new cooking method or taking a psychology class. You can stay abreast of new trends and have interesting information to share when you see friends and family.

5. Say No to Boredom

A curious mind inspires a willingness to try new activities to keep your days from stagnating. Look for opportunities to take on new challenges. Plus, as you seek out more learning activities to expand your daily life, you’ll find more opportunities you have to meet new people and form new friendships.

Healthy Brain Activities to Try

Take a Class

If you enjoy formal education and a classroom setting, look for a continuing education class at a local college or at your community library. Many museums offer adult art courses. For lifelong learners who need a more flexible schedule, websites like MasterClass and The Great Courses offer online classes in a wide variety of subjects.

Read More

Whether you prefer fiction or nonfiction, reading opens you up to new worlds. You learn about history and people’s lives, and research shows reading makes you more empathetic. Reading is typically a solo activity, but if you’d like to make it more social, you could start or join a book club to discuss what you’ve read.

Start a New Hobby

Taking on a new hobby helps you develop stronger cognitive function. At the same time, it also opens up possibilities for new experiences and hours of enjoyment.

Embark on a Healthy Lifestyle at Essex Meadows

At Essex Meadows, the brain health of our residents is a vital part of a lifestyle of holistic wellness. Along with our pursuit of the benefits of lifelong learning, each part of our community is designed to enrich the days of our residents and enhance their active spirit.

If you’d like to find out more about the resident-centric lifestyle at Essex Meadows, contact us. A member of our team would be happy to tell you more.