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WHEN I LOOK BACK at my career, I see that the key to my long tenure with one employer was my desire to learn new skills and help expand the business. That mindset, I believe, helped me survive multiple rounds of layoffs.
I’m hoping that same mindset will help with retirement.
Many retirees say, “I just want to relax. Get rid of the alarm clock. No more classes or schedules for me.” While that feels good for a while, I’m not sure such an attitude will sustain their happiness for long.
The fact is, retirement brings with it a sense of lost identity. Many retirees miss the workplace’s routine, their colleagues and even the office politics. Meanwhile, research suggests lifelong learning offers psychological benefits for seniors.
During my stay at a 55-plus community in Atlanta, I saw a 90-something-year-old gentleman carrying a bag full of books every few weeks to his room. One day, I asked him what he was up to. He said, “I go to the public library and take books from there. Every two weeks, I try to read at least two books. That keeps my mind sharp.” I could see he was on a mission.
I also learned something important from our 18-month-old grandson. Several weeks after getting a book about cars, trucks and various animals, he wanted me to show him new books and new toys, not the old ones. It’s fascinating to see how curiosity and desire to learn drives a child’s development.
Humans are wired to learn, adapt and grow. That is essential for our survival and progress. The same could be said for retirement. Focusing on curiosity and learning can make for a happier retirement.
There are many retirees who seem to thrive on learning new things and taking up new hobbies. You likely know them. They’re the ones who show up regularly for any interesting activity or volunteer work. Many may have physical limitations or financial problems, but they’re out there doing their best and having fun.
When I visit aquariums or museums, I always see retirees volunteering. I talked to one of them. “I used to be a school principal,” she told me. “Losing my identity after retirement was hard. I had to reinvent myself. Volunteering was my ticket to learn new skills and be active.”
Opportunities for lifelong learning have never been greater. Think of all the free online courses from top universities, the books available online and the slew of YouTube channels. You can pursue hobbies such as painting, gardening, photography, golf, hiking, fishing, book clubs, carpentry, volunteering and music, all of which provide opportunities for self-expression and learning. Check out this list of hobbies that are especially popular with seniors.
We can also broaden our perspective by traveling, attending cultural events and exploring different cuisines. Intergenerational learning through mentoring programs is another opportunity.
I’m trying my hand at gardening, writing and music. I’m also mentoring students at a nearby university. All these activities are new to me. They’re challenging and rewarding at the same time. Importantly, they provide a routine that fills my day and keeps me active.
It helps to remember Henry Ford’s famous quote: “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”
Surprised nobody has mentioned Olli-the Osher LIfelong Learning Institute-a great option for senior learning available in many communities associated with universities. My wife and I took a great local course on CCRCs last fall and are signed up for several short educational and fun courses this fall that we were able to work around our travel schedule.
I have discovered a great hobby. I have a Facebook page on my FB account, where I post the newest Trusts and Estates cases from the Supreme Court of India. I have a small following of law students and young lawyers from India. Great fun and keeps the mind active.
Discount used books from ThriftBooks are the key to my post-retirement learning – and stimulating entertainment. Probably three of the latter for every one of the former, but it all adds up to keep the mental gears engaged.
I still miss the old used bookstores, but realistically they could never keep up with my rate of consumption.