WeedMD's Tips for Healthy Living. Tip #10: Learn

"The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss

Research from the 1990s indicates that now, more than ever, an engaged and stimulated brain could be the key to vibrant senior living.   Lifelong or later-life learning challenges the brain, which may help to prevent some physical and mental diseases.

What is lifelong learning?  It is continued educational experiences that involve educational travel, non-credit academic courses, and community service that stimulates the brain, enhances physical activity, and helps maintain meaningful relationships with others.  Think of it like a workout for the brain.  It promotes personal development and is a key factor for overall brain health.

Lifelong learning offers the following benefits:

• It makes one more open-minded and provides the opportunity to see the other side of a given issue.

• It fuels the mind and creates a hunger to learn more.

• It helps to put life into perspective and the wisdom achieved can be shared with the community at large.

• It helps one adapt to change, such as staying abreast of technological changes.

• It encourages one to be an active participant and contributor to society.

• It provides opportunities to establish new friendships and prevent feelings of loneliness.

• It creates a feeling of self-fulfillment.

Although it may be too soon to definitively establish if lifelong learning actually delay dementia and other serious health problems that come with age,  the increasing number of seniors attending classes is currently underway. The fact that lifelong learning helps seniors to remain active and healthy is simply another benefit.