There’s a funny thing about learning when you’re older—you know way more than you give yourself credit for, but tackling something brand new still manages to feel a little bit like the first day of school all over again. Nerves, excitement, a tiny bit of, “Can I actually do this?” The great news is, you absolutely can. You just might need to shake up the approach a little, embrace a few moments of laughter, and find ways to enjoy the ride. After all, learning’s not just for kids or folks in college hoodies.
Start Small—And Make It Relatable
So, maybe you’re eyeing that ukulele in the window, or you want to finally understand what people mean by “apps” on your phone. The trick is, start with bite-sized goals. Not everything has to happen all at once. Want to learn Italian? Maybe just a few greetings this week, and next week you tackle your first menu. There’s more progress in small steps than you might expect. The National Institute on Aging even says continuing to learn new things keeps your brain sharp as a tack—so there’s your motivation right there.
Bring a Buddy (Or a Crowd) Along for the Journey
Sometimes, all it takes to stick with something new is a partner in crime. If you’re living in one of those retirement communities, you’re in luck—a lot of them have activity coordinators or small clubs you can jump into. Look for a group painting class, book club, or cooking demos. Even if you live on your own, wrangling a friend or a grandkid to take on the adventure with you can turn “learning” into just another reason to hang out and laugh.
Honestly, some of my favorite afternoons were spent in Zoom classes during the pandemic—me, a couple of college kids, and a cat who apparently wanted to master watercolor, too. It’s way less intimidating when you’re not going it alone, and you get a few good stories either way.
Keep It Playful—Fun Over Perfection
Anyone who tells you that learning is all about nose-to-the-grindstone discipline probably never tried to learn chess from a six-year-old. The point isn’t to be perfect—it’s to enjoy the mess along the way. Mess up some bread dough? Great. At least you tried. Forget a dance step? You probably invented something cooler anyway.
Try keeping things light and social. Music, games, or creative classes let you stretch your brain without all the pressure.
Use Today’s Tech—Seriously, Give It a Shot
If you’re feeling brave, grab a tablet or laptop and see what the online world has to offer. YouTube has how-to videos for nearly everything—sometimes filmed by helpful seniors themselves, so you know it’s not just a teen talking at lightning speed. Classes for older adults abound these days, and Senior Planet has loads of free or low-cost options that don’t assume you already know how to use fifty buttons on a remote.
A quick side note: Don’t be afraid to press the wrong thing. Worst case, you get a silly pop-up and learn something new by accident.
Let Yourself Celebrate Every Win
Finally, give yourself a little credit along the way. Small wins are still wins. Learned to send a text, bake bread, or remember a handful of Spanish words? That counts. Jot it down or share it with your friends—sometimes bragging just a tiny bit is the best motivator to try again tomorrow.
Here’s the truth: you’re never too old or “set in your ways” to learn. As long as you keep an open mind—and maybe a good sense of humor—there’s not much that’s out of reach. So go ahead, sign up for that class or press play on that tutorial. You might just surprise yourself.
