Author: Jeevitha Ramesh
Maya was a fifty-five-year-old school teacher for many decades. She thought her best years were behind her. Her kids were all grown up, her career was slowing down, and she often found herself questioning what else there was she could accomplish. But this time, she enrolled in a music school, and after years of postponing it, she finally enrolled in music classes. While practicing and trying new music, Maya began to notice something different – she felt more focused, sharper and energetic.
What Maya experienced is what science refers to as lifelong learning—the ability of our brains to adapt, grow, and develop new skills, no matter our age.
Our brains have an amazing ability called neuroplasticity, which means that the brain can change its structure and function in response to new experiences. Learning and practicing any new skills—singing a song, painting, or playing a piano—new networks of neurons are formed in the brain and make connections. These connections become stronger as we practice. The strong connections help memory retention and problem-solving capabilities.
Research suggests that people who involve themselves in challenging mental activities throughout their lives have better cognitive function and are less likely to develop age-related decline e.g. dementia. In addition, as one picks up new skills, levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) also increase. BDNF is a protein that supports the growth of new neurons and strengthens existing brain circuits. A study conducted in 2019 showed that BDNF is significantly linked to neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize and form new connections—as it responds to new experiences and learning new skills. This increase in BDNF is believed to enhance cognitive function and overall brain health. This means that the more you learn, the healthier your brain stays.
So, How Do We Start a Lifelong Learning Journey?
Going back to school is not necessary to become a lifelong learner. There are a few simple ways to get started:
Learn a New Skill: It could be anything like gardening, becoming a better photographer, or even learning to play an instrument. These are great hobbies to keep your brain.
Do Group Activities: Group activities help educate the learners and make them feel part of a community which enhances their motivation.
Engage in Reading: Reading books, watching some articles or even reading some blogs helps you learn different things and how to apply them in critical perspectives.
Educate Yourself Through Technology: Online learning has been made easier with sites like Coursera, Skillshare or YouTube, wherein they have online courses from cooking to computer science just about anything.
What are the other Benefits of Lifelong Learning for Everyone?
Engaging in new activities or learning a new language at 25 and trying a new skill at 60 goes way beyond just improving the brain as new benefits come along. Here are ways in which learning new things at every stage of life helps in the enhancement of one’s overall growth –
Improved Memory and Concentration: Involvement in learning activities keeps the brain engaged, which leads to improved memory and concentration levels. A study in 2014 at an American university found that older adults who regularly learned new skills exhibited better memory retention and attention span compared to those who did not.
Better Emotional Health: New activities cause an elevation in dopamine, improving mood, preventing mental fog and enhancing mental clarity. Research has shown that dopamine release is linked to motivation and pleasure, both of which contribute to a positive mental state. A study in 2013 showed that engaging in activities like learning music or a language has been shown to boost mood and reduce stress.
Boost Social Interactions: Learning in groups allows us to interact with other individuals and promotes social connections, which plays an important role in our psychological health. A study in 2009 by Cohen & Janicki-Deverts, showed that social interactions reduce stress and improve well-being by providing emotional support and a sense of belonging. For example, joining a language class can foster friendships and emotional resilience.
Higher Resilience: Picking up new skills will teach us to take up new challenges and be able to handle change promoting a growth mindset. A study in 2008 found that learning fosters a "growth mindset," helping individuals view challenges as opportunities for growth. For example, learning to code or practice a new sport can instil confidence to handle life changes and obstacles more effectively.
It’s Never Too Late to Learn Something New
Maya’s story shows that lifelong learning is not just about gaining new skills but also about discovering new parts of ourselves. As neuroscience teaches us, the brain is a dynamic organ that continues to grow and evolve with experience. Programs like ReStart utilize the principles of neuroplasticity to support middle-aged and senior adults in gaining new cognitive abilities, improving emotional well-being, and building mental resilience.
The ReStart program, for example, offers a structured environment where participants engage in multiple activities, meditation, and memory games that activate various parts of the brain, enhancing neuroplasticity. ReStart also promotes emotional stability through group activities and meditation, helping participants learn to manage emotions and reduce mental fog.
Whether we are 18 or 80, it’s never too late to embark on a lifelong learning journey. Programs like ReStart motivate and make it easier to learn new skills, improve cognitive health, and stay mentally active—empowering us to enjoy a vibrant, growth-oriented life at any age. Every time you take on a new challenge, you give your brain the gift of growth—and that’s a gift that keeps on giving.
References
Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2008). Exercising your brain: a review of human brain plasticity and training-induced learning. Psychology and aging, 23(4), 692–701. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0014345
Laal, M. (2012). Benefits of lifelong learning. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 46, 4268-4272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.06.239
Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine. (2024, October 9). The power of BDNF: Boosting brain health through lifestyle choices. Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.texascenterforlifestylemedicine.org
NeuroPraxis. (2024). How does BDNF regulate neuroplasticity? NeuroPraxis. Retrieved from https://neuropraxis.com/resource/how-does-bdnf-regulate-neuroplasticity
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