Fall Into Learning: Online Classes and Virtual Education Resources for Seniors
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But when it comes to learning as we age, research suggests it may be time to retire that phrase. In an episode of the American Psychological Association’s Speaking of Psychology podcast, psychologist Rachel Wu, PhD, discussed research showing that older adults can continue learning new and challenging skills, and that doing so may help support cognitive abilities. In one of Wu’s studies, older adults took classes in several new skills, such as Spanish, drawing, and using an iPad. After three months, participants showed improvements in cognitive abilities, and those gains continued after the classes ended.
The takeaway? Learning doesn’t have an expiration date. For older adults, having more flexibility in the day can open the door to interests that may have been put aside during busier seasons of life. And today, technology makes it possible to explore an incredible variety of subjects without even leaving home.
Start With a Simple Question: What Interests You?
Learning is a lot more enjoyable when the subject is something you’re genuinely curious about. Instead of asking, “What should I learn?” try asking, “What have I always wanted to know more about?”
Maybe there’s a hobby you enjoyed years ago and would like to rediscover. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn a new language, understand more about history, or finally figure out all those features on your smartphone.
There are plenty of directions to explore, including:
- Arts and crafts, from painting and photography to knitting
- Music, movies, history, or literature
- Cooking and baking
- Languages and cultures
- Gardening and nature
- Technology and digital skills
- Sports and fitness
- Personal finance
- Science and current events
- Genealogy and family history
And there’s no need to choose alone. Sitting down with a family member, friend, or Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can be a fun way to brainstorm. A caregiver may already know about your interests from conversations you’ve shared and can help turn a passing curiosity into something new to look forward to.
Bring the Classroom Home
Once you have an idea of what you’d like to learn, the internet puts countless resources at your fingertips.
- YouTube can be a simple place to start. From watercolor tutorials and cooking demonstrations to history lectures and beginner technology lessons, there are videos covering just about every interest imaginable. Many can be paused, replayed, and watched at your own pace.
- GetSetUp is another option designed specifically for older adults. The platform offers online learning and community opportunities for adults 55 and older, with subjects including art, cooking, finance, music, technology, travel, and more. Some classes and community offerings are available for free, while access to additional programming may depend on membership or eligible partners.
- Senior Planet from AARP also provides online learning created with older adults in mind. Its programs are free and include virtual classes on technology, exercise, discussion topics, and other subjects. Senior Planet also offers technology support, making it a useful resource for someone who wants to become more comfortable navigating the digital world.
Of course, finding an interesting class is one thing. Figuring out how to register, create an account, join a video call, or troubleshoot the sound is another!
That’s where a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can lend a hand. A caregiver can help explore learning opportunities, navigate websites, practice using devices, or simply sit alongside an older adult while trying something new. Having a familiar, encouraging person nearby can make technology feel less intimidating and learning more enjoyable.
Keep Growing, One Lesson at a Time
Learning something new doesn’t have to mean earning a degree or mastering a complicated skill. It might be watching your first photography lesson, learning five words in Italian, joining an online book discussion, or finally figuring out how to video chat with the grandkids.
What matters is staying curious. As Dr. Wu’s research reminds us, older adulthood doesn’t have to be a time when learning slows to a stop. In fact, continuing to challenge ourselves with new experiences can be an important part of staying engaged and confident as we age.
This fall, consider turning over a new leaf by learning something you’ve always wanted to try. And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. With a little curiosity, and perhaps some encouragement from a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver, your next favorite hobby, skill, or subject could be just a click away.