Seniors are encouraged to make their retirement years the best years of their lives, but for many boredom and loneliness become a problem. It is unfortunate that some older people believe that the ability to learn is a reserved for the young.
Where ever did you get the idea that vision, hearing loss and other problems associated with aging were signs of deteriorating intellect? Somewhere along the line society has given the impression that life long education is no longer important. Learning just for the sake of learning is often considered irrelevant and unimportant. You may feel that there is no longer a reason to learn new things.
During youth and middle age education serves the purpose of teaching job skills, but it also tries to teach a balance that goes beyond work. In some respect those goals change but in others they remain them same. When you are younger you are open to learning in order to get a better job and earn more money. A senior looks at education as a way to develop coping skills, to develop new interests or to meet people and make new friends. Education is seen as a way to continue to grow and develop at every age. There is nothing wrong with pursuing an education for reasons of self development, cultural enrichment and personal satisfaction.
Knowledge gained from educating oneself, even at the senior level, should be viewed as a way to open the door to possibilities and opportunities not previously explored. Some older learners participate in learning with serious goals in mind. A dream to learn how to read, to get a high school education or graduate from college may have been a life long ambition. Others are drawn to education for the sheer joy of learning.
Many senior-oriented educational opportunities are available. Community or senior centers, recreational centers, area agencies on aging, libraries, community colleges and universities, church group and fitness centers are all typical starting places. The body may slow down a bit but the mind goes on. Now that you have left your career field you have the time to focus on learning amazing new skills.
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