What Are the Benefits of Lifelong Learning for Older Adults?

Henry Ford once said: “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” Mr. Ford is right; lifelong learning has many benefits, especially for older adults. Although learning can be in a formal setting, such as taking classes at a community college or learning to play an instrument, informal learning can happen anywhere and is just as beneficial to the individual. 

Reading about topics that interest you, attending seminars, watching documentaries, playing a board game you’ve never played before, taking up a new hobby, or using a language learning app are just a few learning opportunities available to everyone, regardless of age. Taking advantage of opportunities like these can play an essential role in healthy aging. 

The services and amenities provided at BridgeWater Assisted Living communities include housekeeping, dining, personal care assistance, on-site library, chauffeured transportation, and more. These offerings allow our residents the luxury of time and freedom to explore their passions and develop new ones. Every resident has access to all the benefits of learning on their own or in group settings with friends in the community. 

Below, you’ll find a brief discussion of some of the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of lifelong learning, including enhanced satisfaction with life, high quality of living, and even delayed cognitive decline.

Cognitive Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Physical changes are a natural part of aging. When it comes to the brain, parts like the hippocampus that are important to learning and memory can shrink without use, and neurons might communicate less effectively. These changes can have negative impacts on cognitive health and increase the risk of developing dementia. 

The great news is that recent studies using brain imaging have demonstrated that learning new skills can reverse some of these changes by enlarging the hippocampus and decreasing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like word games, puzzles, and reading, or in activities that require planning, organization, time management, and focus like playing an instrument, cooking, or making art can help the brain create new neural connections and sometimes even new brain cells, which can delay cognitive decline.

Improved cognitive health, neuroplasticity, and executive functioning skills are essential to maintaining independence and a high quality of life. Fortunately, it’s never too late to start taking better care of your brain and focusing on your cognitive health. 

Emotional Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Although you might not immediately connect lifelong learning with emotional well-being, there are several aspects of the two that overlap. The following are some of the emotional benefits that seniors often find when they engage in lifelong learning and continued education:

• Personal satisfaction and fulfillment: Setting goals and working toward them can give us a sense of purpose. Achieving those goals provides a deep feeling of accomplishment and great satisfaction.
• Stress relief: Stress and anxiety are an unfortunate reality of life for everyone. When you take time to participate in activities you enjoy, you can focus on the task rather than your anxiety. Having a creative outlet to express yourself, especially through art and music, can also be a positive experience and reduce stress.
• Increased self-esteem: Learning new skills often gives us a boost in self-confidence and pride in our abilities. This new-found self-confidence can also result in increased self-esteem and an enhanced self-image.

Social Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Humans thrive when we connect with others. Many lifelong learning activities can best be pursued in groups, allowing us to interact with others who share our interests. For instance, joining an arts and crafts workshop or attending a lecture at a library gives seniors opportunities for social interaction and a chance to build a like-minded community.

Activities in group settings can also encourage collaboration and adaptability. Participating in a team and working together toward a goal (e.g., working together on a puzzle or playing a cooperative board or card game) allows you to share ideas, communicate better, and learn from others as you adapt to other personalities and new situations. 

Given all the benefits of lifelong learning for older adults, it’s clearly an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to living well. Other necessary steps you can take to promote healthy aging include eating a nutritious diet, getting plenty of physical activity (even if it’s just walking regularly with friends), establishing good sleep habits, engaging in hobbies and leisure activities, fostering social connections, and seeking out regular medical care.

At BridgeWater Assisted Living, you will have access to everything you need to live well. Our dining services provide delicious and nutritious meals in a fun, communal dining room setting. On-site amenities like a game room, media room, hair salon, and library give you multiple opportunities to form and strengthen friendships and social connections. Chauffeured transportation is available if you want to explore the surrounding area and take in a play or visit a museum. Scheduled activities like art and music classes, game nights, and educational speakers mean there’s always something to do and new things to learn. Take a walk on our beautiful grounds or join a group exercise class in our wellness center to keep your body strong, too.

Besides the fantastic amenities, BridgeWater Assisted Living’s services provide the maintenance-free and stress-free lifestyle you’ve been looking for. We take care of the cooking, cleaning, and driving. We can offer assistance with activities of daily living and personal care if you need it, leaving you free to pursue lifelong learning opportunities at your leisure.

If you’re interested in learning more about our communities, browse through the pictures and videos on our website, look at our floor plans, and then email or call us. Our staff is happy to answer questions and schedule your in-person tour to show you what kind of environment we have curated for our residents.