We all know the benefits of learning for children and young adults. But what about older adults? The fact is, there are numerous benefits to going back to school and being a lifelong learner. Not only can senior loved ones learn new skills and hobbies, but getting back into a classroom environment can:
- Provide new social opportunities
- Improve cognitive function
- Increase confidence
- Challenge assumptions and biases
- Improve mental health and enhance overall contentment with life
- And more
What Are Some Good Learning Opportunities for Seniors?
As we gear up for back-to-school season, there are plenty of opportunities for older adults to learn something new, too. Consider these classes, both in-person and virtual, to help an older loved one reap the benefits of going back to school.
- Learn a new language. Whether a senior is considering traveling abroad or has just always wanted to be bilingual, learning a new language is a fun challenge. For an in-person classroom environment, check with local community colleges or senior centers to see if they offer language classes. If the senior has mobility issues, there are plenty of language learning apps, like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone, that allow people to learn from the comfort of home.
- Work with your hands. There are few things more satisfying than making something with your own two hands. Learning a new skill like woodworking, knitting, pottery, or painting provides the satisfaction of both gaining knowledge and having a tangible creation the senior can use or display.
- Pick up a new instrument. Listening to music offers many cognitive benefits for seniors, as does learning to play an instrument. Learning to play music relieves stress, helps build problem-solving skills, enhances coordination and fine motor control, and more. There are apps that can help seniors learn how to play instruments, but when you’re starting out, in-person instruction may be more helpful. Check out a local music store to see if they offer any classes. Community colleges also often offer courses as well.
- Get cooking. Whether your loved one has been cooking for a long time or never even picked up a mixing bowl, cooking and baking are fun and delicious skills to learn. Search for cooking classes in your area. If the senior isn’t new to cooking, seek out a different style of cuisine, such as Italian, French, Asian, or Indian. Or go the sweet route and find a class on baking a cake, cookies, or other pastries.
How Can Home Care Help?
For older adults who wish to get out of the house and learn something new, Senior HomeCare of Tucson’s professional caregivers are here to help. We can provide transportation to and from classes to ensure that seniors get the social and cognitive benefits of their new skill. We can also provide help in the kitchen for those learning new cooking skills, quiz the senior on new skills to enhance learning, and more.
To learn more about our in-home care services and how we can provide assistance with learning new skills, give us a call today at (520) 355-4787 or reach out to us online. We’re pleased to provide services throughout Tucson, Catalina, Marana, Oro Valley, and the surrounding areas.