Aging opens the door to new opportunities for growth and personal discovery. After retirement, many seniors find they have more time to fill their days with activities they love and interests they have always wanted to explore.

There are a wide variety of resources that foster lifelong learning and hold the key to unlocking avenues of enrichment.

Lifelong Learning Resources and Why It Matters

MasterClass, The Great Courses and Virtual Learning

What is MasterClass or The Great Courses? Well, these are two examples of virtual learning opportunities seniors can take advantage of to engage their minds. In fact, the more you can challenge your mind, the younger you may begin to feel.

The brain stays adaptable well into later life, and learning something new is one way to help support it. According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults who take on a new, mentally engaging hobby like digital photography tend to see greater memory benefits than those who only socialize or take on less demanding activities. Staying mentally engaged, whether through a class, a new skill or a favorite hobby, can be a meaningful part of supporting cognitive health over time.

Some categories MasterClass and The Great Courses cover that can achieve just that include:

• Arts & Entertainment
• Business
• Community & Government
• Food & Wine
• Health & Fitness
• Home & Lifestyle
• Hobbies & Leisure
• And many more

Presented in a variety of ways (video, lecture and independent study), both resources have enough information for seniors to gain expert knowledge by the end of the course. MasterClass offers courses led by industry experts and celebrities to make the process of learning even more enticing.

Virtual learning options built with seniors in mind continue to grow alongside these two platforms.

• GetSetUp offers hundreds of live, interactive classes taught by peers, covering everything from technology to fitness to art, and many programs are free through partnerships with local aging services agencies.
• AARP Senior Planet is another option geared toward older adults, with classes spanning technology, health, finance and wellness.

For those interested in college-level learning, free courses from universities like Harvard, MIT and Carnegie Mellon are available through platforms such as edX, and many public libraries offer free digital resources, including audiobooks, e-books and skill-building courses, with just a library card.

Seniors interested in returning to the classroom, virtually or in person, can also find state-by-state options for free and reduced tuition.

Community Centers and Programs Close to Home

Getting involved with community-led programs is an excellent way for seniors to engage their minds and make new friends. Common classes or activities that are held at community centers include:

• Arts and craft classes: Learn a new medium and make friends at the same time! The knowledge (and friendship) is then transferable to use back at home.
• Volunteer and civic engagement opportunities: Become involved within the community and experience life from a different perspective.
• Gardening clubs: Exchange knowledge about vegetation and the best ways to cultivate growth. What a great way to meet friends, learn something new, and be outside!

Several community centers are offering virtual opportunities if meeting in person is not feasible. Simply look on local community center websites to see if this option is offered.

For residents of communities managed by The Goodman Group, opportunities like this are often already close at hand. Lifelong U brings acclaimed speakers directly to residents through monthly virtual presentations, covering topics ranging from history to current events.

Learning as a Way of Life

Opportunities for learning don’t necessarily need to come from a class, club or course. Sometimes it means building a better relationship with yourself. Many seniors have spent the majority of their lives looking after other people, but now can be a time to prioritize their own needs and wants.

Relearning how you care for your body and mind is okay and necessary in order to prioritize personal well-being.

Longevity and increased well-being can be achieved by spending time outside, exercising, journaling, having proper nutrition and getting adequate sleep. This is not an exhaustive list, but it is a great place to start. The different stages of life require attention to different areas. It is important to continue to learn how to best prioritize self-care to ensure a happy, healthy and long life.

No matter which path speaks to you, the goal stays the same: staying curious, connected and engaged at every stage of life. Pick something that sparks interest and dig in deep! The best place to start is wherever your curiosity leads.