The Power of Learning New Skills
Many of us are curious to learn more about keeping our brain sharp while aging. It turns out that learning itself is a useful tool for our minds! The advantage of learning is that it is accessible to all age groups and education levels, whether you just graduated from kindergarten or earned your PhD. With so many different hobbies and interests to try out, there is plenty to discover.
Learning can come in various forms, our instinctual idea typically being a more formal classroom setting. There is, however, plenty of opportunity for learning outside of classrooms and textbooks. Learning is defined not only by the acquisition of knowledge from study but also by experience. Every day we have the opportunity to gain knowledge from socializing with others, taking a new fitness class, or even (like you are doing now) reading a blog.
What is cognitive reserve?
One of the benefits of learning is that it can support our cognitive reserve. Cognitive reserve is our brain’s ability to adapt to daily tasks as well as aging and pathology. This resilience is impacted by both a lifetime of experiences and genetic factors. There are numerous influences on our cognitive health, some of which are modifiable. Researchers have demonstrated that a large cognitive reserve can assist in recovering or maintaining brain function during aging. There is also evidence that it can support brain functioning with several diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis. Cognitive reserve involves more than trying new activities, but intentional learning is a small step we can all take towards improving our cognitive reserve.
Many activities that we have done our whole lives can be good for our brain, both in terms of cognition and mental well-being. However, scientists are discovering that learning a new skill is even more effective in improving memory. In one study, researchers compared a group of older adults doing word puzzles and listening to classical music to another group learning an entirely new skill. They ensured that the new skill required active engagement and pulled from high-level cognitive processes. They found that the older adults learning a new skill showed more improvement in memory. This is not to say that you should drop your lifelong passion to pick up a new skill. Instead, this is a great excuse to test out that hobby you’ve always wanted to try!
Interested in learning a new skill? Here are a few you can try:
Photography
Photography is a great option for anyone looking to try a new hobby. It requires only a few pieces of equipment and there is plenty of room for growth within the craft. Photography can be a great way to get outside and get some fresh air as well. It can be practiced within the natural environment or simply to capture the smiling faces of your friends.
If you are interested in honing your skills or just curious to learn more about photography there are lots of options to get more involved. Many universities and libraries offer classes, but there are also free resources on the internet to perfect your craft!
Knitting
Like photography, knitting is an accessible skill that requires higher-level processing. In one study, knitters self-reported that knitting made them feel more relaxed and happier. Even better, the benefits of knitting can be extended past cognitive and mental well-being. A survey showed that many knitters feel that knitting helps soothe symptoms of chronic pain and in some cases arthritis.
Knitting is another craft that can continue to challenge you no matter your skill level. There are always new patterns to master and designs to test out. Another one of the wonderful aspects of knitting is that it can be great for gift giving whether you are making a sweater for your friend’s retirement or a blanket to welcome your grandchild into the world!
Music
Picking up a new instrument can be a daunting task, but it has proven to be great for your brain! You can visit our blog post on music to learn all about the benefits of music from just putting on your favorite song to learning to play it yourself!
Learning a new instrument may require a bit of patience and some equipment but it is sure to bring joy. There are opportunities to learn about instruments all around us. Many community music schools offer music classes which can create the opportunity for intergenerational friendships as they often accept students of all ages. There are resources at libraries to learn and tutorials posted for almost every song on the internet. This is another skill that can be expanded upon; you can learn how to play “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, or you can delve deeper into the world of music!
As far as beginner instruments go, the ukulele can be a fantastic choice. In recent years, the ukulele has taken off as one of the most popular and accessible instruments to learn. Many communities have formed their own ukulele groups that are free to join. These groups can be a great way to advance your skills and meet fellow musicians that share your passion. There are also thousands of tutorials on the internet that can assist in learning recognizable songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Start Exploring!
Of course, there are more skills to learn than photography, knitting, or playing an instrument. You will not love everything you try but it is important to keep an open mind and continue to try new things! If you are looking to get inspired here is a list of skills you can try and a downloadable PDF so you can check off your favorites!
