Old folks’ strategies to keep learning (Part 3)

Despite all the challenges we talked about previously, there are still many ways to encourage and facilitate lifelong learning. It all begins with having or creating a supportive environment, in which a culture that values lifelong learning and provides resources as well as opportunities for older adults, is openly promoted. 

Leveraging technology is another key tool in making learning more accessible and engaging for older adults. I have found this as I began to learn Spanish with new technology that makes it so easy and so motivating to do compared to what was available in my twenties! It’s also critical to tailor what we learn so it aligns with what we love and like as older adults to increase motivation.

Older folks like me should also encourage a growth mindset and never miss an opportunity to say that it's never too late to learn something new. Understanding these factors will help develop strategies to keep older adults engaged in learning, thereby enhancing their quality of life and cognitive health. 

Sure, many of us among the older people we’ve become are likely to be reluctant to make the jump and learn new things, due to a combination of factors including their declining memory, their fear of appearing stupid, the false belief that they know it all, anxiety about learning something that seem far too complicated, and sometimes even saying they’re "too old" and have passed the age to learn effectively, even though this is often not the case. 

So, let’s help each other, chase these false ideas and get started by finding a small, but manageable learning goal!