Learning as You Age Helps Your Brain Stay Healthy

As we get older, staying active becomes more and more important. Physical exercise keeps you in shape by strengthening muscles and joints and improving overall health. But exercising your brain is just as vital for healthy aging. The brain’s ability to continue working well even when some part of it is disrupted is called cognitive reserve. 

Taking steps to exercise your brain throughout your life can help your brain compensate for lost functioning as you age. One of the most helpful steps you can take includes lifelong learning.

Why is lifelong education good for brain health?

Some elements of a person’s cognitive reserve are determined by genetics, but lifestyle factors can boost your brain’s natural resilience. Research suggests that people with more education who are exposed to opportunities for physical, mental, and social stimulation, also have increased cognitive reserve.

According to Harvard Medical School, new brain cell growth can happen late into adulthood, and exercising your brain with new challenges—such as taking a class—can help stimulate that process. Going back to school can also give you the opportunity to revisit subjects you’re interested in, or discover new passions you’ve always been curious about.

Four ways to exercise your brain through lifelong learning.

However, education doesn’t have to mean going back and getting a degree. Organizations such as KU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute provide non-credit education for older adults looking to expand their horizons and keep their minds sharp.
Looking for new ways to challenge yourself and exercise your mind? Read on.

Learn what you’ve always been passionate about.

As a non-degree seeking learner, your options are endless! With no need to ensure a passing grade or complete a degree, you’re free to choose whatever subjects you’d like: Photojournalism, entomology, local Civil War history, music theory, and more. Think about the subjects you’ve always wanted to know more about, or ones you’ve recently become interested in. Certificate courses and open enrollment classes are a great way to explore new subjects. The Osher Institute also offers courses in subjects as diverse as British literature, world and regional history, and even law.

Consider picking up a new skill.

It’s never too late to learn something new! Trying a new skill, such as learning a language, can help delay the onset of dementia. There are plenty of benefits to adding to your abilities as you age. Think about developing a new skill or hobby, such as photography, music, or creative writing. You don’t need to be the next Ansel Adams or the next Nora Roberts – creativity in any form will enrich your life. After all, both the brain and the heart benefit from creating things that are beautiful and interesting. 

Learn something practical for your day-to-day life.

If you’re more concerned about picking up important life skills as you age, consider seeking out a class that deals with practical knowledge. Learning as an older adult is the perfect opportunity to get answers to the questions you’ve always had but were afraid to ask. 

Discover the secret to finally balancing your budget, learn about the science of aging, disability rights, or how to write a will. The Osher Institute has you covered with such topics and more. 

If you’re looking to pick up skills to use in the workforce, KU Professional and Continuing Education’s Professional Leadership program offers webinars, seminars, and professional certificates.

Start small, so lifelong learning stays fun and exciting.

Going back to school as an adult can be exciting, but it can also get overwhelming. Harvard Medical School suggests prioritizing the subjects or skills you’re most interested in learning more about, and pick one or two weekly classes to start with. If the class or instructor doesn’t meet your expectations on the first try, don’t get discouraged! You can always check out a different class, different instructor, or even find a different learning format that better fits your needs.

Learn more about educational opportunities through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Interested in delving deeper into how the brain works? You may want to consider a bachelor's degree in psychology from the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park.