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Continuing Education as You Age

October 21, 2014

Conventional wisdom says that people should go to college while they're still young, preferably as soon as they're done with high school; that they should take any degree or certification earned, and apply it to finding a job. Many believe that there's no need to pursue further education once they have a good job unless it will allow them to advance in their career. And once people make it to the point where they can retire, there's definitely no need for college; all they're expected to do is sit back and enjoy the rest of their lives.

People have believed this about education for years. You go to college while you're young to earn a degree that will get you a good job, and you never have to worry about school after that. However, these same people don't realize that continuing education is for everybody, not just young people trying to start a career. No matter how old you are, you can always benefit from more education.

Higher Learning and Retirement

Higher learning doesn't have to mean spending thousands of dollars and at least two years to earn a degree. Older adults certainly can do this - and many of them do - but many community colleges and other institutions of higher learning offer inexpensive programs for this age group. These programs have flexible schedules that can accommodate anyone from working adults to retirees with a lot of time on their hands. Many senior living communities even offer opportunities for their residents to take classes such as creative writing, world religions and computer basics. In fact, computer classes are among the most popular classes for senior citizens, which is working towards breaking down the stereotype that elderly people are computer illiterate.

Keeping Stimulated

Continuing education programs for senior citizens are proof that there is more to education than simply earning a degree. The mental decline that some senior citizens experience can be attributed in part to a lack of mental stimulation. Continuing education programs of all kinds provide mental stimulation that can keep someone alert in retirement while helping them adapt to new technologies and skills.

No matter who you are or how old you may be, you should never stop learning. Whether you have just gotten out of college or have reached retirement age, it's not too late to learn something new. At Concordia, we recognize the importance of staying fit, not just physically but mentally as well, giving our residents the opportunity to expand their minds and skills through a variety of educational programs and activities. With classes on everything from World Religions and Creative Writing to Waltz and Knitting, let the   educational opportunities at any one of Concordia’s senior living locations help to learn and grow!

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