I was recently reminded that it is never too late, and we are never too old to learn something new. Although it is not always easy, we can find a way to stretch ourselves and stay engaged and involved in lifelong learning.
I tried to learn to knit this year but gave it up pretty quickly. I was frustrated that I did not learn it easily, and the struggle to learn did not feel worth the effort. Now I am watching my child learn to play the piano and am toying with the idea of learning to play myself. My initial thought is that I will only fail or give up too soon, and therefore think, why bother starting at all?
This is such a common way to feel about trying something new as an adult. I was inspired, though, when I watched an episode of the TV show Modern Family called, “A Year of Birthdays.” In this episode, the character of Phil has a birthday and announces that in the next year he plans to learn to play piano and speak Spanish, among other things. As the episode continues and the year goes by, we see Phil learning each thing he set out to learn.
TV shows have the ability to fast forward time and make it seem easy to learn and commit to a new skill. Certainly, in real time the process can feel much more difficult. However, it is a great way to show that if you visualize the end result, it will help make the process feel worthwhile.
I was again inspired by another TV show I am watching about a pottery making contest. One of the contestants was an older adult, and in one episode he was the winner for his pottery design. When he was interviewed after winning, he said, “I never ever stop learning. I am getting a little bit older now, but I don’t think you should ever stop. What’s age got to do with anything? I just want to keep going.”
There are so many ways to keep learning. You may want to learn a new skill or hobby, like I did with knitting. There are classes and groups through Senior Centers and your local Parks and Recreation Department that can help teach you. Or you can use this as an opportunity to ask a friend to teach you a skill they know and make it a social event as well.
There are also more formal classes and lectures available. Some programs are specially designed for older adults and lifelong learning. One is called the Fifty and Better (FAB) program through California Lutheran University. They offer classes for people who are aged 50 and up who want to participate in learning and social engagement. You can learn more here: https://www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/fifty-better/
Another is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) through California State Channel Islands University. You can learn more and see their course catalogue here: https://ext.csuci.edu/programs/osher-lifelong-learning-institute/
Activating your brain in new ways can improve your mood, build confidence, and improve your brain health. You may find it gives you a new goal or purpose and may even connect you to new people with similar interests. Lifelong learning is beneficial in so many ways. Let yourself be inspired to learn something new and push through the challenges to enjoy the process of reaching a new goal.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
