As we grow older, one mantra becomes more important than ever: keep learning – every moment, anything, anytime.
The day we stop learning is the day true old age begins. Learning doesn’t require classrooms; it only needs a determined mind willing to stay curious. Even as we grow older, we should not think that we know everything – after all, what more do we need than the knowledge we have acquired over the years?
Sometimes even learning a single new word in a day brings a deep sense of joy and surprise—“I’m 70 or 75, and yet this word is new to me. How useful this could be!” Such moments refresh our minds and keep our spirit alive. At this age even a new language can be learnt.
Trying a new dish in the kitchen is another wonderful experience. Cooking is not only for women. When senior men learn a recipe or two, the family looks at them with admiration, and seniors themselves feel a renewed sense of capability and pride. This skill comes to great help when one is alone at home or when the better-half falls sick.
Even hobbies can be rediscovered at any age. Learning a musical instrument – harmonium, flute, table – or beginning to sing again, whether devotional songs or old film melodies, brings immense joy. I know an elderly lady who decided to learn the flute after becoming a senior citizen. Today, with so many online options, you don’t even need a teacher to come home. New learning can begin right on your mobile or laptop.
Smartphones are in everyone’s hands now, but very few use them fully. There are countless apps for entertainment, learning, and simplifying daily tasks. Many seniors depend on their children for even small things – installing an app, changing a setting, or saving a contact. But once they learn these simple skills, the confidence they gain is priceless.
Recently, I met a senior who frequently uses WhatsApp but didn’t know that you can speak your message and get the message in typed text form instead of typing it yourself. When I showed him the voice-to-text feature, he was delighted. Such small discoveries make a big impact.
Many seniors find it difficult to save new contacts or search for names, and they rely on call history. But once they learn these small phone skills, they feel empowered—“Now I can manage on my own. I don’t need to depend on anyone.”
Remember: as long as the curiosity to learn stays alive within you, you remain young. Learning keeps the mind active, just like exercise keeps the body fit. Mental activity is essential to stay engaged, positive, and independent.
Growing old is also a kind of examination – and in this exam, your biggest support is you: your enthusiasm, your curiosity, and your willingness to learn.
Learning activities will increase life satisfaction and this will lead to lower rates of depression. It helps maintain a positive attitude, adds fulfilment, and keeps our mind alert and stimulated. Engaging in new activities provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which is crucial for positive aging.
Stay curious. Stay active. Because “Never Say Retired” is not just a slogan – it is a way of living.
Author
The author is the founder of the Never Say Retire mission. In order to achieve this goal, he also runs this website and his Facebook group Never Say Retire Forum has Hundreds and Thousands of members today.
