Continuous learning throughout a lifetime provides many benefits, especially for seniors. Studying can include memorizing, reading, quizzing, and more. These studying techniques stimulate the brain and improve function and memory. Other health benefits can result from brain stimulation and brain health. Studying can also reduce stress, keep you busy, and expand your knowledge.
Seniors can take advantage of the many in-person and online resources for studying. Local community colleges offer courses typically all year-round, and there are free online classes as well. You can find courses for all kinds of topics. If you find one you are interested in learning and studying about, you can sign up for it.
Stimulates the brain
Brain stimulation plays a significant role in memory improvement. Seniors who participate in brain-stimulating activities are less likely to experience memory decline. Frequent reading challenges your memory which can help in the recall of daily events. Strengthening the brain’s neural network is another result of reading and stimulating the brain mentally. Memorization also challenges the brain and is vital for retention.
Delays brain diseases
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. Mentally challenging activities, such as studying, can decrease a person’s chance of getting this disease by 2.5 times. Neuronal connections build and grow stronger when the brain is consistently stimulated, making it more difficult for brain diseases to take over and infect the brain.
Reduces stress
Studying can allow your brain to focus on something else and forget about reality for some time. When you read a book or study notes, your muscle tension and heart rate can be reduced quickly. According to Mental Health America, between 3-14% of older adults have diagnosable anxiety. Anxiety can cause distress and impact your daily activities. Studying can take your mind off anxiety triggers and calm your brain and body.
Medicare Part B insurance covers preventive screenings such as depression and other health screenings at 100%. You can also use the Annual Wellness Visit to speak with your doctor about the stress you are experiencing and schedule screenings.
New hobby
During retirement, you may be thinking of possible activities to participate in. Taking on a new class that requires studying can help fill in the time. You may find several online courses on topics that you have always wanted to be more knowledgeable about. Not only will you learn something new, but you can also share that knowledge with others. Memorizing the information and relaying it out loud helps with retention and challenges the brain. Most of these courses can be completed at the convenience of your own home, but if you choose to go in person, you may meet other people as well.
Improves decision-making skills
Decision-making skills and mental sharpness can be improved by brain stimulation. Studying and reading can enhance problem-solving and critical thinking, which can decline as you get older. Challenging the brain can open new perspectives on problem solving and ideas which overall improves brain function. A healthy brain takes work to maintain, but it is essential to keep up with and continue to fuel it through mentally stimulating activities.
Conclusion
Studying not only forces you to engage with the words, but it forces you to memorize and become creative with studying techniques that help you best. Brain stimulation can halt the onset of brain diseases such as dementia and reduce stress, which can significantly affect your physical health. It can also become a new hobby and be educational. It is never too late to learn something new.
