Facts about Learning and Aging
Can you improve your brain as you get older? Yes, you can! While some cognitive abilities naturally change with age, research shows that older adults should continue learning new skills to improve memory, reasoning, processing speed and cognitive flexibility. The secret isn’t finding a magical “brain game.” It’s staying curious, challenging yourself and giving your brain something genuinely new to figure out.
At EverTrue Life Plan Communities, residents have opportunities learn new things daily through exercise, creative pursuits, educational programs, hobbies and activities. Whether you’re picking up an instrument, joining a fitness class, writing your next story or simply trying something you’ve always wanted to do, an active community can make it easier to keep learning and pursuing your passions.
Here are some fun facts about what happens when you keep your brain engaged.
- Your Brain Doesn’t Retire
Older adults can learn new skills, form new memories and improve performance with practice. The National Institute on Aging includes learning new skills among activities that can keep the brain engaged. Other key ways to maintain your brain is by staying social connected and eating a heart-healthy diet. - Your Brain Likes a Challenge More Than a Rerun
Research suggests that learning something new and cognitively demanding can provide more stimulation than simply repeating activities you already know how to do. Think taking a photo instead of scrolling through photos. Learn to paint instead of watching another painting tutorial. Try a new exercise class instead of doing the same workout again. Your brain needs a challenge for stimulation. So yes, you can learn Spanish at 72 or become an award-winning poet in your 80s. You’re always the perfect age to try something new. - Being Bad Is Actually Good
Ever feel frustrated because you’re terrible at something new? That’s good! Learning an unfamiliar skill requires you to pay attention, solve problems and adapt. So, if your first watercolor looks more like a mess than a masterpiece, keep going. EverTrue communities offer not only the opportunity to try something new, but often you are being taught by an expert or fellow resident who has years of experience, making the process more social — and a lot more fun. - You Don’t Have to Do Crossword Puzzles
Crosswords are fine, but they’re hardly the only option. Learning a language, joining a choir, playing an instrument, taking a computer class, gardening, writing or trying woodworking can all provide opportunities for mental stimulation. The best brain exercise is the one you actually enjoy enough to keep doing. That’s one reason EverTrue Life Plan Communities offer a variety of social, educational, fitness and recreational activities. Residents can explore interests they already love or discover new ones. - Learning Music Gives Your Brain Something to Do
Music isn’t just entertainment. Studies have shown that older adults found that musical instrument training was associated with improvements in brain processing speed and aspects of executive function. So, pick up that guitar. Join a choir. Learn a new song. At EverTrue, following a passion for music can also be a social experience and can have surprising benefits. Music therapy may even help support walking and movement. - Learning Can Be Social, Too
Your brain isn’t the only thing that benefits when you learn with other people. Classes, clubs, volunteer opportunities and group activities combine mental stimulation with social connection. That’s an important part of life in an EverTrue Life Plan Community. Residents have opportunities to exercise together, learn together, pursue creative interests and build friendships around shared passions. And sometimes the best motivation to try something new is knowing someone will be there waiting for you. - Curiosity, Creativity and Learning Can Give You Purpose
Your brain workout doesn’t need to look like a brain workout. Forget the flashing lights, timers and complicated apps. Try photography, quilting, cooking, dancing, creative writing, gardening or music.
The National Institute on Aging notes that activities including music, theater, dance and creative writing show promise for supporting cognitive health and well-being.
Learning something new can also give your days structure, introduce you to new people and create a reason to get excited about what’s ahead. Pursuing a new interest can open the door to new goals and experiences.
One thing is clear: getting older doesn’t mean you’re done learning.
Take the class. Learn the dance. Try the ukulele. Join the walking group. Write the novel you’ve been thinking about. Outsmart that smartphone.
At EverTrue Life Plan Communities, staying engaged can mean different things to different people. The goal is to have opportunities to stay active, connected, curious and engaged in the things that matter to you.
That’s part of what makes lifelong learning so meaningful at EverTrue. Residents aren’t simply filling their calendars — they’re continuing to discover new passions, finding purpose and living life according to you.
EverTrue residents put this idea into practice every day. Some continue lifelong creative pursuits while others discover new interests through community activities.
If you’re having fun while learning, that’s a bonus.
Your brain doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to stay curious.