Embracing Learning at Any Age: Breaking the 'Too Old' Myth
Written on
The Power of Lifelong Learning
Learning is a crucial activity for keeping our minds sharp, especially as we age. Engaging with new knowledge and skills can significantly benefit our cognitive health.
A recent article in AARP Magazine featured Renee Brinkerhoff, who, at the age of 55, declared, "I’m going to race a car." Despite having no prior knowledge about racing, she dove right into the experience.
Rather than dwelling on fears of being "too old" or looking foolish, she embraced the challenge. A year later, she participated in a 2,000-mile rally race across Mexico and has since won multiple races, even establishing a nonprofit that has raised $700,000 through fundraising events.
Brinkerhoff's journey is just one of countless examples of individuals over 40 venturing into new passions or mastering fresh skills. The outdated notion that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” deserves to be left behind.
The Key Ingredients: Desire and Courage
The ability to learn as we grow older hinges on two key factors: a desire to learn and the courage to embrace new experiences.
According to a 2017 AARP study, 50% of individuals over 40 reported not learning something new each week. In an age where information is readily available, this is surprising. A lack of curiosity can hinder personal growth and adaptability in the face of evolving job requirements or technology.
Visualize your brain's neural pathways as gears that need continual lubrication to function optimally. If we stop feeding our minds with new information, these gears can seize up, making it much harder to learn when the need arises. It's not about age; it’s about maintaining an active and curious mindset.
Overcoming Fear to Unlock Learning Potential
Our thoughts can often lead us to fear the potential downsides of acquiring new skills. We tend to fast-forward to negative outcomes, convincing ourselves that failure is inevitable.
When faced with the prospect of trying something new—like a Zumba class or an online cooking course—our brains might default to protective instincts, triggering fears of failure. This self-imposed fear can mimic the overprotectiveness of "helicopter parents," preventing us from engaging fully in new experiences.
Rekindling Childhood Curiosity
Remember the insatiable curiosity of childhood, filled with questions about the world? That inquisitive spirit can still thrive within us if we allow it space to flourish.
The capacity to learn persists throughout our lives, bolstered by the vast resources available today. Rather than telling ourselves "I can’t," we should embrace "Why not?"
Even as I approach what many consider middle age, I feel a strong desire to learn. My recent foray into publishing on Medium has opened new avenues for growth. While I’ve been a writer for decades, I’m currently immersed in the nuances of online publishing.
Over the past months, I’ve absorbed advice from younger, yet more experienced individuals, and I’m excited about the learning process. With each new follower and clap on my writing, I gain confidence and prove that age is no barrier to acquiring new skills.
Would you like to receive weekly insights to foster curiosity and a positive mindset? Click here to subscribe to my free newsletter from LifeUpcycles: bit.ly/3ynCNPt
Chapter 1: Learning Beyond Limits
The first video, "When You Stop Telling Yourself THIS Your Life Will Change FOREVER | Ed Mylett," explores how negative self-talk can inhibit personal growth and the importance of positive affirmations in fostering a mindset open to learning.
Chapter 2: Acknowledging Life's Lessons
The second video, "Your Life Is Always Teaching You Something, Are You Paying Attention? | Mel Robbins," emphasizes the importance of recognizing life's lessons and the potential for growth at any age.