The benefits of life-long learning for seniors

We all have those days. You know, the days where it just feels like you’ve woken up on the wrong side of You know what they say – when one door closes, another one opens. This is very much the case for older Australians, with many opportunities presenting themselves once you enter retirement. There’s a new sense of freedom that allows seniors to pursue goals and hobbies that were otherwise unobtainable, with a distinct lack of deadlines and work schedules to worry about.

Research has found that engaging in lifelong learning has been identified as a pathway for addressing the risks associated with an ageing population. This includes predicted risks associated with health, quality of life and productivity. As such, many seniors consider undertaking some kind of education or training to further their skills. There are many benefits to this, including:

The opportunity to socialise with likeminded individuals

By undertaking formal education or training, seniors are able to get back into the community and meet new people who have similar interests. By attending an education or training institute, seniors are able to meet and interact with fellow peers and educators, while also having access to a range of events, clubs and support groups.

Updating skills

Learning is an essential part of life, especially in the ever-changing technology-driven world we live in. This provides seniors with a great opportunity to learn something new, advance their knowledge to keep up with trends, or refine the skills they already have.

Cognitive health

As people age, cognitive abilities can start to slowly decline. However, studies have shown that lifelong learning can be vital to reducing the level of cognitive decline as seniors age. By preserving cognitive function and slowing decline, seniors may be able to reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.