You Still Have So Much To Learn
You might feel discouraged to learn something new once you hit your fifties, but it's important never to stop learning. As we age, gaining certain skills or keeping up with our physical and mental health is even more important. From learning to play pickleball to studying a language, the following recommendations are age-appropriate and could change your life.
1. Brain Games
Become a brainiac! Brain games like chess, sudoku, crosswords, and puzzles are the best games you can play to improve your memory and keep you sharp. There are so many games you can learn that will advance your cognitive function and skill development which is crucial as you age.
2. Tai Chi
Tai Chi can be described as "meditation in motion". It's a practice of choreographed movements that correspond with your breath. It originates from an ancient form of martial arts but is widely practiced for health promotion and rehabilitation nowadays.
3. Barre
Barre is one of the best fitness classes you can take and continue to practice as you get older. With a dance-like pilates infusion, the workout targets every muscle in your body including smaller muscles we often neglect. Barre focuses on strength training and functional movement and is very manageable for beginners to pick up.
4. Coping Strategies
Life can get tougher as we age so it's important to learn how to cope with the lows. If you've never been to therapy or learned how to handle stress, it's never too late to try. You can prepare yourself for future challenges and ease your mind with a healthier outlook by learning what coping strategies work for you.
5. Artistry
Pick up a an art skill that you've always admired! From photography and painting to pottery and quilting, art can improve your life in so many ways. You can become an artist at any age to boost your happiness and your skills. Art is therapeutic and challenges different parts of your brain you don't always use.
6. Goal Setting
Whether you've already mastered setting goals or it's never been your strong suit, goal setting is a life skill to have. If you can master goal setting in your fifties an beyond, you're setting yourself up for a successful future, no matter what that looks like to you.
7. Communication
Keeping up with communication through technology and your social life are equally as important. It's never too late to make new friends or romantic relationships. It's even more important to continue the valuable relationships you already have. Learning the newest forms of communication and social platforms will help your mental health as well as improve your social skills.
8. Pickleball
Pickleball has surged in popularity the last few years because it's a fun sport that's easy to pick up at any age. Playing pickleball not only keeps you fit and social but it improves your hand-eye coordination as well. It improves your life socially, physically, and mentally; what more could you ask for?
9. First Aid
You should always stay up to date with first aid. Learning how to treat minor wounds and injuries is an important life skill to obtain, especially as you get older. As we age, our bodies tend to get injured more easily and the more prepared you are, the better the healing process will be.
10. Yoga
Yoga is another meditative movement practice that betters your physical and mental health. It's crucial to keep your body strong and flexible as you age to prevent injury or lack of mobility. Routine practice of yoga will make you feel younger while keeping you more focused and present.
11. Nutritional Health
You don't have to become a registered nutritionist, but studying your personal dietary needs is a very smart idea. Proper nutrition is always important but it's most valuable when you're over 50 because your body is more delicate. Your health and longevity strongly depends on the food you eat.
12. New Language
Learning a new language over 50 can change your life in so many ways. It opens a whole new chapter of opportunity and you can prove to yourself that learning has no age restrictions. Not only will you impress your friends but learning a language improves your memory and brain function overall.
13. Gardening
If you're 50 without a green thumb, it's time to get your hands dirty. Gardening teaches you about nature while you also gain mindfulness and laboring skills. It's also a great hobby to have when you're retired and have the time to spend bettering your health and the environment.
14. Mobility
Stretches and workouts that target your mobility are crucial for folks over 50. Simple exercises like standing up from sitting are more important to your future than you think. When you get older and more unstable, having the skills and strength to pick yourself up from a fall can be life-changing.
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15. Rowing
Learning to row is a suitable activity for a beginner to pick up later in life. Rowing a boat will increase your upper body strength substantially and sets you on a path to be fit for life. Being out on the water is also good for your soul as you breathe in the fresh air surrounded by nature.
16. Dancing
Dancing gives you a feeling of freedom. You'll enhance your fitness, cognitive skills, and social life when you pick up a dancing class or join drop-in dance nights. From salsa to hip-hop, it's never too late to test out a new dance style.
17. Musical Instrument
If you've ever dreamed of becoming a rock star, now is your chance to shine. From guitar to piano, learning to play any musical instrument is beneficial to your life. Playing and reading music are skills that can be taught at any age and will keep your mind sharp and active.
18. Self-Defense
Learning self-defense might be something to consider as you get older. Unfortunately, elder people can be seen as easy targets. Imagine you could defend yourself in a harmful situation, you'd be a force to be reckoned with.
19. Technology
Get with the program, grandpa! It'll be beneficial to you to keep up with the ever-changing technology as best you can. Learning how to use current devices and staying up to date with technology are great skills to maintain as you age. Life will be easier for you and you'll be able to communicate with your loved ones better.
20. Acting
Why not launch your acting career after 50? Acting classes will only enhance your social skills, improve memory, and boost your confidence. On top of skill gain, acting transports you out of reality and combats retirement boredom.
