Learn new skills: 21 skills seniors can learn in 2019

November 5, 2018 6
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Learning a new skill is a great way to keep one’s memory active.

This is because when you learn, you are training your brain to think in a different way than it is normally used to.

In a recent post on the blog, I talked about the various ways you can encourage your loved one to stay active.

One of those ways was to encourage your elderly loved one to pick and learn a new skill.

After I wrote that post, I figured I would dedicate a whole post to sharing a list of skills anyone can pick up and learn at any age.

So here are 20 new skills your elderly loved one can pick up and learn in 2019. Hey, you might even benefit from this list yourself!

Learn new skills: 21 skills seniors can learn in 2019

  1. Writing- think novels, screenplays and poetry!
  2. Photography- with our cellphones having cameras that are more powerful than the most expensive cameras 50 years ago, this is an easy skill to start learning.
  3. Photo/video editing
  4. Film-making
  5. Quilt-making
  6. Dress-making
  7. Knitting
  8. Pottery
  9. Painting
  10. Coding
  11. Blogging
  12. A musical instrument
  13. A sport – Surfing, soccer, volleyball, swimming, golf are all great sports to learn if you never learned them before. Make sure to get the green light from the doctor before signing up for physically strenuous sports.
  14. Acting
  15. A new language- We live in a largely international world now. Speaking another language is a great way to learn about the world.
  16. Computer skills- this would include things like using the internet or using Microsoft Word and Excel
  17. Cooking
  18. Entrepreneurship- Nobody is ever too old to start a business.
  19. Gardening
  20. Public speaking- Older people have tons of life experience to share with audiences. A local Toastmasters meeting is a good place to get started with learning how to speak publicly.
  21. Dancing

The advantages of learning a new skill

I already mentioned how learning a new skill helps with keeping a person mentally sharp. This is true whether you are a caregiver or you are reading this for your elderly loved one.

Here are some other advantages of learning a new skill you may have not considered.

  1. If learning the new skill involves going to a class at least once a week, this could be helpful in getting your elderly loved one socially active. A lot of elders cite loneliness as a problem especially when all their children, grandchildren and other family members live far away from them. In short, learning fights loneliness.
  2. Learning a new thing can be fun! When we are genuinely having fun, there is a lesser risk for mental health issues.
  3. If learning a new skill involves exercise, you should know that exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins interact with your brain cells to give you a sense of well-being.
  4. Learning improves memory.
  5. Learning a new skill fights boredom.
  6. When you become equipped with a new skill, it makes you a more interesting person.

Closing Thoughts

Learning a new skill is a great way to stay active regardless of age.

For seniors, learning is a wonderful way to stave off boredom, depression, loneliness and memory problems.

In this post, I shared 21 skills seniors can learn in 2019 to stay active.

And as a matter of fact, you don’t have to wait until next year; you can start right now.

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6 comments

  • Ruthie

    September 2, 2021 at 9:19 am

    Thank you! Pray with me that God will open doors for my brain to stay strong until Jesus comes. I am 81.

  • Manoj

    September 28, 2021 at 9:55 pm

    I am 63 and want grow vegetables at home in village

  • Patrick

    July 2, 2022 at 5:58 am

    Hi, I am 81, I study Biorhythms and Lunar effects on myself, I do however find acceptance very difficult, In fact, I think that’s what’s wrong with me today. I feel the frustration of living and I am looking for an escape from my feelings, I find it hard to accept things as they are, Best wishes to you all.

  • Patrick

    July 2, 2022 at 5:58 am

    Hi, I am 81, I study Biorhythms and Lunar effects on myself, I do however find acceptance very difficult, In fact, I think that’s what’s wrong with me today. I feel the frustration of living and I am looking for an escape from my feelings, I find it hard to accept things as they are, Best wishes to you all.

  • Chi Nowosu

    September 20, 2023 at 4:00 pm

    At age 74, l find it difficult with choosing my education path at a college.

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