I am continually amazed at how much I don’t know. Surprisingly, I view that as a positive. We are exposed to new ideas, information, and technology daily. There is never a point where I will stop learning.
According to Dictionary.com, the definition of Lifelong Learning is:
noun
- The provision or use of both formal and informal learning opportunities throughout people’s lives in order to foster the continuous development and improvement of the knowledge and skills needed for employment and personal fulfillment.
Lifelong learning is an active pursuit of gaining knowledge and happens at every stage of life. When we are young, we attend school to learn the basics of reading, math, science, etc. This education progresses through college. That’s the formal portion of education. The informal portions we learn during this time are social skills and communication skills and how to connect with others and build relationships.
When we hit the workforce and begin our careers, we continue to learn through workplace training, certification programs, and technology platforms. To provide a real-life example, anyone who has been in the workforce for any length of time can enumerate the changes that came as technology evolved. I remember getting the first computer at our family office. We had two floppy disks – which doubled the memory capacity, and we viewed everything from a monochromatic screen. It was life-changing! Suddenly, we had so much available at our fingertips. Fast forward to technology in 2024. Unbelievable! Whether you are a young child or a senior, technology is now present in every aspect of our lives.
To stay engaged in today’s world, we must embrace the idea and importance of continuously learning and make every effort to keep up with change.
If you are in the workforce, you can increase your value and employment opportunities by being self-motivated to acquire knowledge and new skills. Find classes that will build on your current skills or where you can learn new skills and expand your knowledge. The more you know, the better perspective you have in different situations. Otherwise, your knowledge will stagnate, and the value of your skills will diminish over time.
Lifelong learning means just that: learning at all ages. Seniors face the same challenges when it comes to keeping up with change. To function in today’s society, we have to keep learning new skills. This can seem somewhat overwhelming as our memories are not at the level they were when still in the workforce. Luckily, there are abundant opportunities to learn new skills. Technology classes where we can learn how to use a phone, tablet, or computer – taught at a level and pace that will allow us to digest and master a subject.
Universities, such as the University of Utah, offer classes for seniors at a low price or free. Offering opportunities to learn new hobbies, study chosen subjects, and even travel in groups. Learning in group settings also keeps us socially connected, which is critical for seniors.
The opportunities to learn are endless. The key is making a concerted effort to stay engaged. My challenge is to think of one thing you want to learn this year and make it happen.
Here’s to a bright future!
