Education and the Third Age

The term "lifelong learning" is now one that is commonly heard in the UK.

Although part of a political agenda, it has been a helpful reminder to everyone, whatever their status or role, that we should all be engaged in continuing our own education in some way.

Having more time to develop your own education, fulfil your desires and follow your dreams is what makes retirement, or it's approach, so fulfilling.

"We don't need no education " Pink Floyd

Even if you're a rocker who remembers these lyrics being penned, you might still have dreams and desires that you wish to pursue.

Why not learn to play rock guitar ?  Or finally master the art of dance ?

Howabout brushing up on your French, Italian or Spanish - even visiting the country to brush on your skills whilst immersing yourself in the culture?

Have you always dreamed of learning to fly ? Or you want to become a dab hand at body massage or poker ?

Now is the time to really live that fulfilling life you always promised yourself and enroll at your local college, learn from a private tutor or sign up for an online learning program.

Finally Get That College Education !

If one of your bugbears is that you never finished (or started) your college education - the advent of the internet means that you can take part in online learning to degree standard. 

"At 65, James J. Finnerty has the distinction of being the oldest person to walk down the lawn ... during graduation at the University of Virginia." www.virginia.edu/topnews

 

Whether you want to complete your bachelors or add a masters to your qualifications, there's a range of programs aimed at individual who would rather study at home.

One student at the University of Northern Iowa, Eliza Washington, wasnt' sweating about graduation, but was looking forward to volunteering to help young people struggling with their homework.  Eliza was 70 years old, and achieved her goal following years of single parenthood, struggles with cancer and other challenges - her story is a remarkable one.  (Source WCFCourier.com)

Stories like Eliza's remind that there is always something to keep striving for - and that learning is truly a lifelong effort.

Successful Aging of the Health Brain - Research on Aging

Interestingly, research shows that people who keep their brains active are less likely to suffer such degenerative problems as alzheimers. 

"We must CHALLENGE the brain. It gets bored." Marian Diamond, NewHorizons.Org

In her article, "Successful Aging of the Healthy Brain", Marian Diamond says that research shows that it is not enough to keep the brain active, you also need to challenge it.

She offers the example of someone who has been doing the same crossword puzzle for years, which is no longer challenging to the brain.

It's time to move up to a harder crossword, start Sudoku or tackle something entirely new - if you want to keep your brain healthy, boost your immune system and strive for what she terms "successful aging".

Recommended Resources

http://www.newhorizons.org/neuro/diamond_aging.htm - Marian's original article on aging research at New Horizons

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