Among an oversupply of bad news that gets reported on a daily basis, there is occasionally some really good news. One of those positive developments is associated with lifelong learning. Studies in recent years have found that approximately 75% of Americans engage in at least one educational activity annually to seek extra knowledge beyond that which is required for work. While some of these activities include non-required courses, workshops, etc., that enhance their employment opportunities, much of the learning that takes place is for general interest, learning a new skill or hobby, or gathering information for do-it-yourself projects. Furthermore, a Pew Research Center study found that 74% of Americans regard themselves as lifelong learners.
This is very good news! Most Americans now live well past a normal retirement age, and many are in reasonably good health – meaning that they may have decades in which to live in either an active or passive manner. The acquisition of knowledge as a lifelong activity that not only reduces the chances for boredom, but keeping the brain active also offers a strong chance (although not a guarantee) of reducing the likelihood of cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of dementia. Learning activities also makes you a more interesting person and enables greater social connectedness by interacting with others in classes, book clubs, etc.
There has never been an easier time to be a lifelong learner than the present – as learning activities can take place over the internet as well as in-person or an individual basis through reading and related activities. Under these circumstances, lifelong learning should be regarded as a lifestyle. I encourage people to always be learning something other than their work in order to expand their knowledge base. In that way it will become an ongoing part of their lifestyle if at some point they transition to retirement.
Lifelong learning should be regarded as a lifelong lifestyle that can be rewarding in multiple ways.