Six Ways to Continue Your Education in Your Golden Years
There is absolutely no reason for you to stop learning just because you have reached that time in your life that sometimes is referred to as the “Golden Years.” In fact, there are six ways in which seniors can continue their education, can continue learning, even after they are over the age of 65.
The six ways in which you can continue your education in your Golden Years that we discuss in this article are:
- Go to college
- Get a GED
- Take a master class
- Take a LinkedIn course
- Connect with senior planet
- Volunteer
Go to College
Yes, got to college. Or go back to college, depending on your circumstances.
The number of nontraditional students sitting in college classrooms is growing each and every year. There is no reason why an older person cannot pursue a degree. With that said, many colleges will offer older individuals the ability to “audit” a course or sit in class at no cost or for only a nominal fee.
In addition to classroom settings in traditional colleges, there are other learning opportunities for seniors as well. Local community colleges offer an array of different types of personal enrichment courses that are ideally suited to men and women in the latter years of their lives. These include such courses as:
- Art
- Photography
- Decorating
- Meditation
- Creative writing
- Cooking
- Baking
In addition, there has been something of an explosion of online higher education learning opportunities available to people in this day and age. This type of learning can be attractive to an older person who can pursue courses from the comfort of his or her own home.
Get a GED
You are not alone if you were unable to complete high school. Many people who are now in the Golden Years of their lives were not able to finish all four years of high school for a whole host of reasons.
If you didn’t get the chance to receive a high school diploma, it really is never too late to accomplish that goal. Options like the U.S. Career Institute offer online, self-paced options with all-inclusive programs. This option allows you the ability to pursue a GED that will prepare you for the exam in your own state.
Take a Master Class
Master Class is an online option that allows you the ability to learn from some of the world’s most inspiring leaders and artists – all from the comfort of your own home. This online video platform has over 110 expert instructors that teach on 11 different subjects. These subjects include:
- Arts
- Entertainment
- Music
- Food
- Science
- Tech
Examples of instructors on this online video platform are:
- Margaret Atwood
- Wolfgang Puck
- President Bill Clinton
- Dr. Jane Goodall
- Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Take a LinkedIn Course
Even if you’re in your Golden Years and retired, you can still stay up-to-date on the latest digital trends. Using LinkedIn Learning, you can take courses led by industry experts in business, technology and creative fields. From learning the basics of how to work with computers and devices to exploring how to use After Effects for motion graphics or getting tips and tricks on using an Apple Watch, LinkedIn Learning offers courses on a wide variety of topics that range from beginner to advanced.
There is subscription fee associated with this option. A fee can range from $26.99 per month to $39.99 per month. You do have the option to test the service with a one-month free trial before committing. Similar online learning service platforms include:
- Skillshare
- Coursera
- Udemy
Connect With Senior Planet
Senior Planet is an online platform from AARP. The free-to-join Senior Planet has recurring life discussions on planned lectures where you can interact with people from across the country. These include discussions and lectures on a wide variety of subjects. You might want to consider involving one or two or your own friends in one the these discussions and lectures.
Volunteer
Another great, free way for you to continue to learn new (and meet new people) is through volunteer opportunities with nonprofit organizations. Most nonprofit organizations need assistance on an ongoing basis and offer training opportunities to help volunteers learn the skills they need depending on the service they are providing. Seniors can use sources like United Way to find local volunteer events where they can learn something new while making a positive difference in their community.
Keep in mind that these learning opportunities are available to you whether you live in your own residence or are a part of an assisted living community. Your desire to learn can be satisfied no matter where you happen to be living at any given point in time. Thanks to technology in this day and age, there are more learning and continuing education opportunities for older individuals than has even been the case.