Online Learning Opportunities Offer Fun and Growth to Seniors

                                                                                    Image courtesy of Pixabay
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​Looking for fun ways to expand your horizons?  Your golden years can be your prime time for learning and growing.  Thanks to the internet, opportunities abound with just the click of a mouse. 
 
Big benefits.  If you’re looking for ways to improve your health, stay socially engaged, and combat some of the effects of aging, lifelong learning via the internet can be a boon.  According to US News and World Report, the benefits of lifelong learning are plentiful and important.  At this stage in life, you not only have time to pursue interests that you put on hold during your career, learning new things can keep you engaged socially and mentally.  You can even grab some friends and learn as a group!
 
Here are some of the best opportunities to explore, whether you’re flying solo or in a gathering:
 
Exercise.  If you are among the many who believe exercise is best left for younger people, think again.  Some studies show seniors benefit from at least 150 minutes of moderate activity through the week to fight disease and remain mentally and physically fit.  That’s an average of just thirty minutes, five days per week.  Don’t let your age or even conditions hold you back!  As experts cited by The Telegraph explain, “Gyms, walking groups, gardening, cooking clubs, and volunteering have all been shown to improve the health and well-being of people at all ages with long term conditions.”  Thanks to the internet, there is a plethora of options available to you for building strength, flexibility, and aerobic fitness.  Interested in trying something gentle, such as yoga?  Some reviewers recommend “Actively Aging Energizing Chair Yoga.”  Or for some classic workout fun, Jane Fonda is still at it, doing cardio via the internet.  Both options are available on YouTube.com.  Of course at any age, it’s best for you to talk with your family physician before beginning a new workout program.  
 
Real estate.  Thinking of beginning a second career?  Maybe a little spending money would come in handy, or you would simply enjoy making good use of some of the talents and skills you developed during your first worklife.  The professionals at Redfin recommend becoming a part-time realtor.  Working as a real estate agent offers flexibility, and chances are your experiences both as a home buyer and from your previous employment will help you become successful.  What’s more, it’s an option that keeps you getting out and engaging socially.  You’ll need to research what the requirements are in your state; for information on requirements where you live, visit Kapre.com.  If you decide being a realtor is right for you, contact a brokerage to become either an employee or independent contractor.  Next you would take some coursework and pass an exam, then onward to your new career! 
 
Creativity.  Whether you’ve painted canvases all your life, knit baby blankets for kids and grandkids, or only drawn stick figures, some researchers say doing something creative helps you prosper in your golden years.  Your mental and perhaps even physical health may improve with some artistic explorations.  You may even discover a previously unknown talent!  Interested in painting?  Watercolors may be a good choice, with no odor and easy cleanup.  One reviewer suggests trying Stephanie Law’s videos on Youtube.com, or “The Mind of Watercolor”, also on YouTube.com.  Interested in something involving yarn instead of paper and paints?  Knitting may be right up your alley.  Some professionals recommend “Knitting Crash Course,” “Continental Knitting” or “The Knitting Channel,” all available through Udemy.com.
 
Learning and growing opportunities abound through the internet.  It’s a great way to enhance your retirement and your health.  Whether you decide to take classes alone or as a group, you can improve your life and have fun.  The internet is your golden opportunity to make the most of your golden years!