Breaking through the barriers to lifelong learning in later life.
As we age, it’s common to lose structure in our daily routine and our motivation to do productive things. However, there are many benefits to ongoing learning as older adults, including improving cognitive growth, creating wider social connections, and improving our positive self-regard. An attitude of lifelong learning is sparked by a sense of ongoing curiosity and a willingness to learn about the world around us.
The challenge, as many retirees know, is that this can be a time when we lose structure in our daily routine and with that, our motivation to do productive things can be collateral damage.
For many of us, and I have found this myself, it is easier to switch off from responsibilities and to let go a little.
Fixing this was harder for me than I thought it might be, but eventually I started focusing on putting together some new habits like starting my day earlier and getting exercise early in the morning. Somehow this was the trick I needed to help me get my mind in gear and help me with refocusing my commitment to learning more in this stage of life. I have also made a point of discussing my motivation and habits with a small group of good friends and have found that sharing my story in a group setting has helped me and also stimulated discussion within the group.
An important antidote to retirement slacking is to focus on the pleasure of finding things out and knowing more. Stimulating curiosity and enjoying a sense of accomplishment becomes its own reward. Recently, I went on a long-anticipated trip with my family to Israel and seeing the spark of curiosity in my grandchildren’s young minds renewed my dedication to ongoing learning.
There are many opportunities for late-life learning, from university programs to private training companies. But as many life-changing advances and successes in personal growth show, developing and maintaining a positive attitude is what really matters. We have to transform ourselves and build a positive view of the life ahead in retirement.
-Johann
Our top article pick of the week:
The importance of lifelong learning in retirement: strategies to enhance personal growth and fulfillment
Why should we be talking about learning to an audience of retirees? Surely the time for education is over! Well, we don’t think so. Learning should be a lifelong pursuit. And retirement is the ideal time to hit the books, or any of the multitude of ways in which we can continue to learn these days. The benefits are not just cerebral either. Curious? Read more in a 5-minute article on our community page click here.
Our most popular daily thought this week:
The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity. – Dorothy Parker
Did you know that you can cultivate curiosity? By asking questions, keeing an open mind and trying new things on a regular basis you can grow you curiosity and become more primed for ongoing learning. There is always more to learn, more to expereince and more to understand. Retirement can be a time of unparalleled discovery when we cultivate our curiosity.
Did you know?
The Renaissance man
The term ‘Renaissance man’ referred to individuals who excelled in a variety of fields, including the arts, sciences, philosophy, and more. These individuals were admired for their versatility, curiosity, and intellectual depth.
One of the defining characteristics of a Renaissance man was their commitment to lifelong learning. They believed that education and personal growth were ongoing processes that should continue throughout one’s life. They saw the pursuit of knowledge and the development of skills as essential for personal and societal progress.
A leading example of a Renaissance man is Leonardo da Vinci, who was a painter, inventor, engineer, scientist, and writer among other things. He is widely regarded as one of the most diversely talented individuals in history, and his legacy continues to inspire people to pursue lifelong learning and explore their interests and passions across multiple fields.
By adopting a similar mindset, we can develop a deeper understanding of the world around us and unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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