lifelong Learning Keyโข to Thriving in Later Years, Experts Say
WASHINGTON – Aโค growing body ofโ evidence, coupled โwith inspiring โคpersonal stories, โdemonstrates โthat โmaintaining a commitment to learning throughout life – even afterโฃ notable life changes or perceived setbacks – is crucial for sustained health and well-being in older age. From returningโข to formal education to simply stayingโ engagedโค with one’s โcommunity,โข continuous learning offers cognitive, emotional, andโข social benefits that empower individuals to live full and meaningful lives โwell into their later years.
The benefits of lifelong learning are particularly โrelevant as populationsโค age and individuals face longer retirements. Research indicates that โขcontinued mental stimulation can help โpreserve cognitive function, โdelay the onset of dementia, and improve overall quality of โฃlife. This isn’t limitedโ to โขacademic pursuits; any activity that challenges the brain and fosters a sense of โขpurposeโ can โcontribute to positive outcomes.For many, this means redefining “retirement” not as an end,โ but as โขaโ new chapter โขfor exploration and โgrowth.
Marion Gommerman,โข who recently completed โherโค bachelor’s degree at age 80, embodies this spirit. Her daughter, Jen Gommerman, is also a โprofessor atโฃ the same university. Marion’s advice to thoseโ who don’tโ have the possibility โto return to school is simple: find aโข way to continue learning. “Keep learning somehow,” she advises, “whether reading or simply staying connected to the community.”
Florene, another example of a lifelong learner, demonstrates the power of continuous reinvention. After a career โขin education, she pursued โa โlaw degree at age โ40, followedโข by a second career practicing โlaw,โค and โthen a third, establishingโข a Montessori faculty to train โteachers. “I retired at โฃthe age of 86,” Floreneโข says. “I think the big surpriseโข to grow โold is to realize that there are still manyโ things that โขIโค consider exciting, areas where I feel โI can contribute andโฃ have a full life.”
These examples highlightโฃ a growing understanding that age is not a barrier to learningโ or personal fulfillment. byโฃ embracing a mindset ofโฃ lifelong curiosity โand actively seeking opportunities for growth, โindividuals can not onlyโ improve their health andโ well-being but also continue to โขcontribute meaningfully to society at anyโค age.
