Many people think of retirement as a time to kick back and relax. However, there is a growing group of adults over the age of 60 who are using their golden years for something surprising: Going back to school.
That's because a large number of retirees are continuing their learning in retirement, either pursuing topics that they've always wanted to learn about (but never had the time), or expanding upon the education that they already started earlier in their career. And it's doing more than teaching them something new, according to the neuroscientist we spoke with, it's having a remarkable impact on their cognitive function as well.
Catherine Franssen, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, says that a formal education offers unique benefits to retirees that can't be found in hobbies alone. And while she says that hobbies definitely come along with their own benefits—including improved cognitive function—going back to school can offer seniors something else.
"Formal education offers a unique combination of ingredients: intellectual challenge, structure, deadlines, social interaction, and a sense of purpose," she says. "Formal education often pushes a learner outside their comfort zones and can be a powerful tool to strengthen the brain's ability to adapt and compensate for age-related changes."
The Best Class to Take Isn't What You'd Expect
When it comes to what types of classes offer the biggest benefits, Dr. Franssen says there's a clear winner. "The best class is often the one that genuinely interests you," she says. "Curiosity is a powerful motivator, and people are more likely to stick with learning when they find it enjoyable and meaningful."
While Dr. Franssen says programs designed specifically for older adults can provide social support and perhaps reduce anxiety, there are many benefits to classrooms where the age range spans across many generations. "Interacting with people of different ages and perspectives can boost brain health for all involved," she continues. "As a professor, I love the complex and nuanced questions that older students bring to the classroom environment."
? SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox ?
If heading back to school wasn't on your radar, Dr. Franssen says you're not alone. That's because she says that people often forget about taking care of their cognitive health as they age.
"When we think about healthy aging, we often focus on exercise, nutrition, and medical care," she says, adding that retirement is not simply about leaving work and resting, it's an opportunity for reinvention as well.
"Continuing to learn helps people remain engaged with the world and with one another," she continues. "Learning provides so much more than information. It creates routines, social connections, goals, and a sense of identity and purpose."
How to Actually Do It, Even If the Idea Feels Intimidating
Dr. Franssen says the first thing you should do to prepare to head back to school in retirement is to make peace with any feelings you may have. "First, recognize that it is normal to feel intimidated," she says. "Many adults worry that they have forgotten how to study, that they won't understand the technology, that they won't fit in, or that they'll be negatively judged by others."
Additionally, she says many older adults have been at the top of their professional career for some time, which can lead to feelings of vulnerability and stress when they decide to head into new and uncharted territory.
To help with that, she says it's important to start with a fun or exciting topic or class, or something that has really piqued your interest. Next, she suggests bringing a friend along to keep you company. "Be willing to ask for help," she adds. "The goal isn't perfection, it is growth."
Related: Retirement Shock Is Real—Psychologists Say Most People Never See It Coming
Sources:
Catherine Franssen, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and professor at Virginia Commonwealth UniversityHence then, the article about the retirement habit doctors wish more people knew about was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( The Retirement Habit Doctors Wish More People Knew About )
Also on site :
- Ricky Gervais Talks Netflix’s ‘Alley Cats’ as Annecy Sings Him ‘Happy Birthday’: ‘I Hope You Like Cats. And Swearing’
- Brutal killing of French teen by ‘migrant gang’ sparks national outrage (GRAPHIC FOOTAGE)
- 9 Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin That Won't Clog Your Pores, Tested by Dermatologists