Senior Living News

You’re never too old to learn something new. At our assisted living community, we provide enriching programs and spaces that encourage learning and self-growth. Seniors are welcome to spend time in the creative arts room or get familiar with technology in the library/computer center. Another way to embrace learning as a senior is to take online classes. That might sound scary to some at first, but it’s easier than you might think.

Tips for Success With Online Learning

Learning something new is challenging enough, but learning online presents a whole new set of obstacles to overcome. But don’t worry; there are some strategies you can use to make taking classes online as a senior easier.

• Learn with a friend: It can be tough to stay motivated with online learning. But having a study buddy is an easy way to keep yourself accountable. You can share your struggles and learn from each other along the way.
• Get online daily: As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. Even if you’re not studying every single day, it's helpful to get online and work on becoming comfortable with your devices. You can send an email to a family member or check in with social media. If you’re looking for a more creative reason to get online, try making a digital time capsule.
• Give yourself a break: One of the most important things to remember during your online learning journey is to be gentle with yourself. There may be challenging days, so don’t be afraid to step away for a break when you need it.
• Set up a dedicated study space: Having a dedicated study space is important. When you sit down in that space, it signals to your brain that it’s time to study.
• Cater to your interests: Picking a class that interests you can help make the learning process easier. You’ll find yourself excited to log in and get going each day.
• Share your progress: Your friends and family may be thrilled to share your progress with you. By telling them how your online classes are going, you can connect on a whole new level. Plus, it can feel great to have people you love celebrating your success.

Benefits of Online Classes for Seniors

There’s no limit to the type of classes available online. You can learn anything from web development to the history of gardening. No matter what you choose to learn, the benefits of online classes are clear.

• Flexibility: Traditional learning with textbooks and set schedules can be difficult to fit into an existing schedule. With online learning, you can choose when to study and at what pace.
• Cognitive function: Continuing to learn new things throughout life ensures regular exercise for your brain. Taking classes online may help support ongoing cognitive function.
• Social experience: Between group projects and learning forums, you'll have opportunities to engage socially as you engage in online learning. You may make new friends across the nation or even the world!
• Mental health: Learning something new and achieving daily goals can help you fight off mental health issues such as depression.

Other Ways Seniors Can Incorporate the Internet Into Daily Life

As mentioned earlier, getting online daily makes e-learning easier. You can incorporate the internet into your life in several ways beyond education.

• Exercise: Although our assisted and independent living community offers exercise programs on-site, sometimes you want to do your own thing. Follow along with YouTube exercises or download a health app that tracks your steps to integrate technology into your wellness programs.
• Connection: The best part of the internet has always been its ability to connect people no matter how much physical distance lies between them. If you have friends or family living outside of Glendale, AZ, you can video chat or send a simple email to stay connected.
• Hobbies: The internet is a great place to learn new hobbies and embrace old ones. Try something like scrapbooking or creative writing on your tablet.
• Health: Technology and health go hand-in-hand today. You can use the internet to video conference with your doctor or learn more about managing a chronic condition.

Alternative Learning Options for Seniors Online

There are several websites where you can take online classes from real accredited colleges. And although there are some excellent options available on those types of sites, they aren’t your only option. If you’re working with a tight budget, free websites like YouTube or TedEd are a great option.

From learning how to dance to writing stories, the world of online learning has endless possibilities for people of any age. If you’re interested in taking online classes as a senior, don’t let fear hold you back. There’s no better time than the present to start your journey. Whether you want to learn a new skill or brush up on an old favorite hobby, the internet is the best place for seniors to learn.

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