Seniors and Cognitive Abilities

Keeping Sharp

Lifelong Learning for Seniors

By William Carter, Jr.

Losing cognitive ability is a serious concern that many people stress about as they get older; however, seniors can significantly decrease the risk of declining mental capabilities by continuing to exercise their brains. The ability to discover, learn and examine plays a critical role in achieving purpose and meaning in our lives as we grow older.

For senior adults, there’s no exact age when the brain stops growing. As long as you continue to use your brain, your learning potential will continually expand. Lifelong learning for seniors helps maintain the mind through positive challenges and daily engagement, keeping the brain sharp and curious for years to come.

Some of the valuable effects of lifelong learning as a senior include:

Increased neuron function: The neurons in our brains send information throughout our bodies, and lifelong learning helps stimulate neuron productivity and connection, affecting memory, thinking, reasoning and attentiveness in positive ways. It also enhances brain health, reducing the risk of certain forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease.

Better mental capabilities: Better brain connectivity from healthy and newly generated neurons leads to cognitive improvement. As we all become older, continual learning causes physical changes to the brain, improving our recollection, concentration, speaking abilities and rational thinking.

Greater social connections: Lifelong learning doesn’t have to be done alone. Learning in a social environment such as an open course, book club or discussion group is more intellectually engaging and may help reduce feelings of isolation or depression. Social settings support the fostering of social connections, which could develop into close interpersonal relationships — also important for living happy, healthy lives.

Refined physical skills: Completing simple tasks like reading the newspaper, practicing an instrument, or solving puzzles may help reduce high blood pressure and muscle tension, leading to less stress which offers better chances of dealing with more complicated situations and strenuous changes in life.

Enhanced self-esteem: Learning or adapting to something new can often lead to an incredible emotional uplift, boosting your self-esteem, respect, and even morale.

Heightened enjoyment: Lifelong learning can occur while doing the things that bring you joy or add fulfillment to your life. Possible activities to start may include painting, writing, cooking, dancing and gardening.

But what is lifelong learning exactly? Learning something new doesn’t have to be as formal as being in a classroom or ceremonial like earning a certificate. Doing something like casually learning a second language, a cooking recipe, visiting a museum, or picking up another skill are all examples of lifelong learning.

Research highlights evidence that intelligence doesn’t necessarily recede as people become older. A published 2019 study from “The Journals of Gerontology” explored how continuing education improves cognitive resiliency.

The research compiled two studies using two participating groups of older adults learning three new skills — music composition, drawing and studying Spanish together for three months. They also had to complete functional and mental assessments before, during and after their studies.

Findings indicated that simultaneously learning multiple skills is possible and potentially helpful for older, healthy adults. Throughout the studies, participants displayed increased cognitive abilities similar to younger adults who are at least 30 years younger.

Another study, published in “Scientific Reports” two years ago, investigated the residual cognitive ability of older adults. The examination tested senior adults, average age 66, by identifying the proper use of pronouns in sentences. It compared the outcome to a group of younger adults, average age 22, completing the same task.

The study concluded that not only did the older adults often outperform the younger group, but they also answered just as quickly as their juniors. Additionally, the results suggest that seniors have a resilient mental capacity, using additional brain regions when doing cognitive activities.

So, if you’re over 55 and looking to keep your mind sharp, there are several ways to remain or become intellectually engaged, including specialized course programs throughout colleges and universities in the United States. The classes are tailored exclusively for senior adults who simply enjoy learning new facts and skills. Many of these courses are even taught online by teachers at educational institutions worldwide, allowing participants to interact through chat and video discussions. Lifelong learning provides many advantages for the well-being of seniors while enhancing their intellectual and mental wellness. P