Step into almost any store at this time of year and you’ll be bombarded with displays of sale-priced school bags, pens, notebooks, and lunchboxes – and aisles filled with parents rushing to check off all the items located on the kids’ back-to-school supply lists.
And while we may associate the new school year with children, September is also a natural time for older adults to go back to school and benefit in numerous ways from lifelong learning, including:
- Elevated cognitive functioning. Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital recently paired up to carry out research on the impact of intellectual stimulation throughout the lifetime of older adults, and observed a noticeable reduction of memory issues like those displayed in Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to that, a different research study through the University of Texas at Dallas took it even further, discovering that older adults who participated in a new, mentally-stimulating hobby actually achieved a long-term increase in their memory skills.
- Better physical and mental health. Lifelong education is linked to a diminished rate of depression and anxiety, in addition to a lowered rate of a variety of chronic health conditions, for example, diabetes, stroke, emphysema, cardiovascular disease, ulcers, asthma, and much more. And simply reading for as little as six minutes helps lessen stress through lowering our heart rate and easing muscle tension, resulting in lower blood pressure, improved cardiovascular health, and a more robust and efficient immune system.
- Enhanced socialization. Of particular concern in the elderly is the tendency for isolation. Taking classes allows for the experience of community and camaraderie that is so critical to our overall sense of wellbeing, combined with the possibility to form lasting friendships with those who share similar interests.
In conjunction with onsite classes, there are endless opportunities to learn online, within the comfort of home. And in many instances, classes on the web may be offered at no cost, or at a lowered rate for older adults who aren’t trying to earn academic credits. Older adults can select from a variety of topics of interest, and work at their own pace and based on their particular schedule. AARP provides a listing of a number of top e-learning websites for seniors here, ranging from cooking tips to learning new languages, computer programming, musical skills, and a lot more.
At-Home Care Company’s senior helpers in Des Moines and nearby communities are devoted to ensuring older adults enhance quality of life each day, and we take pleasure in supplying the help essential to inspire lifelong learning. Our compassionate care team can help research classes of interest, set up online programs, provide transportation and accompaniment to onsite classes, and even manage housework, meals, and laundry to enable older adults to concentrate on their newfound passion!
To learn more about our top-rated senior helpers in Des Moines, IA and surrounding areas, contact us at (515) 292-2650. Don’t wait — help a senior in your life make the first step towards a richer and healthier lifestyle today.