The benefits of continuing education for older adults include increased cognitive function and decreased isolation.
Back-to-School season guarantees overwhelming displays and sale-priced items from school supply lists. Though we may associate the upcoming school year with children, it is beneficial to shift our line of thinking to include seniors who can gain from continuing education.
Benefits of Continuing Education for Seniors
- Increased cognitive functioning. Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital just recently paired up to conduct a study on the benefits of intellectual stimulation throughout the lifetime of older adults. They observed a pronounced reduction of memory issues like those displayed in Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, a separate study through the University of Texas at Dallas discovered that older adults who participated in a new, mentally-stimulating hobby obtained a long-term increase in their memory skills.
- Increased physical and mental health. Lifelong learning is linked to a diminished rate of depression and anxiety, as well as a reduced rate of various chronic health conditions including diabetes, stroke, emphysema, cardiovascular disease, ulcers, asthma. Reading for as little as six minutes helps minimize stress by lowering our heart rate and reducing muscle tension. This results in lower blood pressure levels, increased cardiovascular health, and a more robust, efficient immune system.
- Increased socialization. Propensity for isolation is f particular concern in older adults. Taking classes allows for the experience of community and camaraderie that is essential for our overall feeling of wellbeing, grouped with the opportunity to form lasting friendships with others who share similar interests.
Along with onsite classes, there are unlimited opportunities to learn online, in the comfort of home. In many instances, online classes may be offered at no charge, or at a reduced rate for seniors who are not seeking to earn academic credits. Seniors can choose from a variety of topics of interest, and work at their own pace. AARP provides a directory of a number of top e-learning websites for seniors here, that range from cooking tips, learning new languages, computer programming, musical skills, and a lot more.
Anthem Home Care is devoted to ensuring seniors maximize quality of life every single day, and we love supplying the help essential to inspire lifelong learning. Our team of compassionate caregivers and dementia care experts can help research courses of interest, set up online programs, provide transportation and accompaniment to onsite classes, and manage housework, meals, and laundry to allow older adults to focus on their newfound passion!
Contact us any time at 361-643-2323 to learn more about our top-rated senior care & dementia care in Portland and the surrounding areas, and help an older adult in your life take the first step towards a richer and healthier lifestyle.