Back to School… for Seniors?

 

It’s never too late to learn something new – especially when lifelong learning is proven to benefit senior cognition. Don’t worry, you don’t really have to go back to school. Luckily, there are many easy ways for seniors to learn that don’t involve expensive enrollment fees. Lifelong learning could even be happening right under your nose, especially if you are already living in a thriving senior living community. But first, let’s go over the indisputable benefits that lifelong learning has to offer seniors.

The Benefits of Learning as a Senior Citizen

Reduces the risk of dementia. Did you ever want to learn a new language or learn to play an instrument? Well, there is no time like the present! Learning a new skill increases myelin in the brain. For those who may not know, myelin is the white matter in the brain that helps improve our overall brain performance on a number of tasks. Seniors who continue to learn new things are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This is because these memory disorders are linked to demyelination or the damage or loss of myelin in the brain.

Increases neuron generation. Seniors who have prioritized learning throughout their lives are found to generate more neurons and connections in the brain. Neurons send important information mainly between the brain and the central nervous system. When neuron generation is more stimulated, this can positively impact our memory recollection, attention span, critical thinking, and reasoning skills.

Allows for more positive social interactions. One of the best parts of lifelong learning is that you don’t have to do it alone! Learning courses, discussion groups, memory games, and book clubs can spark social interaction that is intellectually engaging and helps seniors avoid negative feelings of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and isolation. An easy way to reap the benefits? Get your kids, grandkids, or close friends together for a trivia night each week. Keep things interesting by diving into new topics every week. The added bonus to including others in learning games like these is? Positive social connections will also help stimulate activity in the brain.

 

Senior Living and Learning in Collingswood, NJ

At UMC at Collingswood, our assisted living residents can continue to live full and independent life. We pride ourselves on creating an environment in which residents can pursue their hobbies while receiving the support they need. Our community also encourages seniors to keep learning through trivia nights, painting classes, digital museum tours, and book clubs – just to name a few opportunities.

For more information about UMC at Collingswood, our senior living community in Camden County, New Jersey, please contact our team today. Learn about what community life is really like by visiting our website at: https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/ 

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/blog/back-to-school-for-seniors/