Lifelong learning helps seniors age joyfully

One reason to prioritize learning is cognitive health. Studies show that learning a new language can help improve brain functions like working memory and attention. Consider a mini-course in Spanish from UW–Madison Continuing Education that offers a slow introduction for beginners. Even casual brain teasers, like the daily Wordle game from the New York Times, help keep your mind sharp.

Social isolation is common among older adults, but learning can introduce new connections. Consider joining PLATO, a community of intellectually curious adults that offers group learning opportunities for an annual membership fee of $60. Volunteering is another way to socialize while learning. If you enjoy nature, the Ice Age Trail Alliance has volunteer chapters across the state who help maintain the trails and organize events.

For older adults, it wasn’t always assumed that you’d go to college. If you dreamed of higher education, programs like Senior Guest Auditors and Odyssey Senior welcome older adults to audit college courses without grades and tests. These courses can challenge your assumptions and open your mind to new perspectives. Even if you are homebound, you can still access high-quality education online. UW–Madison has the BadgerTalks Podcast, and Harvard University offers over a hundred courses online for free, including their famous “Managing Happiness” course.

A love of learning can help you connect across generations. For example, at Grandparents University, seniors team up with grandchildren for hands-on workshops. And make sure you save the date for the Wisconsin Science Festival in October, which offers science-based activities for all ages in 52 counties across Wisconsin. Even if you don’t have family nearby, the website meetup.com can help you connect with people in your community of different age groups. 

Is there a topic you’ve always wanted to learn about? Now is the time to dive in! Learn about astronomy at one of the Universe in the Park events happening across the state. Study plants and animals through UW Extension’s free online courses or Master Naturalist Training. If you have mobility issues, try listening to educational podcasts or watching YouTube videos on topics that interest you. If you can name a topic, there’s probably a YouTube video about it. 

Keep learning in whatever ways are available to you. No matter your age or ability, there’s always a new skill or passion to discover.