Benefits of Life-Long Learning for Seniors

By Jamie Shapiro | July 31, 2015 | Comments Off on Benefits of Life-Long Learning for Seniors

Senior Care in Buffalo Grove IL

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly half of the adult population in the U.S. is enrolled in some type of life-long learning program. While this can be an enjoyable experience, it offers a number of health and wellness benefits as well, especially for seniors.

Definition of life-long learning

Life-long learning is the practice of working to keep the mind engaged. This is done by actively pursuing new experiences and knowledge. While there are some companies that encourage this for their employees to ensure their skills remain up-to-date, there is no need to be employed to enjoy the benefits that life-long learning has to offer.

The fact is that taking the time to learn something for fun can be more rewarding than being required to gain the knowledge.

Life-Long Learning and Seniors

While any age group can benefit from life-long learning, seniors tend to see enhanced benefits by be part of this. In many cases, their elderly care provider will need to find the opportunities for them, but the benefits offered are vast.

Regardless of what is chosen, from dancing lessons to writing a newsletter or speaking another language, there are a number of exciting benefits offered for the over 50 crowd.

Some of the specific benefits offered by life-long learning for seniors include increased mental sharpness, improved memory, improved self-confidence, and way to meet new people, and in some cases, the opportunity to learn a marketable skill.

Finding life-long learning resources

These classes, which are also referred to as adult education or continuing education, are offered at most community colleges, technical or trade schools, and even at a number of senior centers.

In fact, senior centers likely offer a number of different programs for the elderly, including social get-togethers, classes such as cooking, sewing and dancing, and other experiences that are beneficial and will enhance their overall health and well-being of the senior.

The role of the elderly care provider

In some cases, the senior’s elderly care provider will need to help the senior in locating the courses that are right for them. They may also need to attend with them if the senior has any health or medical concerns that may cause an issue, or simply drive them to and from the classes. Regardless of their condition or current state of health, life-long learning courses can be invaluable and provide any senior with a boost in health and wellness simply by being around others in their own age group who share their same interests.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care services in Buffalo Grove, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Source
https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2004/2004050.pdf

https://seniorliving.about.com/od/lifetransitionsaging/a/lifelonglearnin.htm

https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/the-best-life/2009/07/31/10-best-places-for-lifelong-learning

Jamie Shapiro
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