Learning shouldn’t stop once a person graduates high school or college.
In fact, lifelong learning is essential for sustaining psychological well-being, according to a study published in Aging and Society. Seniors who engage in lifelong learning retain a greater sense of autonomy, mental and physical health, and a better quality of life.
These insights continue to make the case for the benefits of senior living communities. There are plenty of ways for seniors to enjoy educational enrichment in communities like Rittenhouse Village at Portage.
Discover various learning activities for seniors in this comprehensive guide.
Reading and the Importance of Senior Education
One of the best activities for seniors is reading. It’s the most relevant lifelong learning activity and easily accessible. Residents at Rittenhouse have access to books, magazines, and other written material.
Residents may also apply for local library cards and check out books from the closest public library. Scheduled outings to a library are a wonderful way for seniors to engage in the community, as well.
Local libraries often have weekly workshops and events like author talks, book clubs, and documentary screenings; events are typically posted on the library’s monthly calendar.
Residents are encouraged to form book clubs in the Rittenhouse community. These groups allow seniors to verbalize reading comprehension which boosts brain stimulation, helping them retain and condition cognitive skills. Internet-savvy seniors may also join book clubs online like Goodreads.
Seniors can also check out books from digital libraries online and enjoy them on a wireless tablet, Amazon Kindle, or another comparable e-reader. Reading machines are also available for seniors with eyesight issues like macular degeneration.
Engaging Senior Learning Programs
Senior living communities like Rittenhouse Village at Portage post social calendars every month. These calendars are packed with everything from physical fitness to brain-stimulating games and activities. There’s never a shortage of things to do, and seniors can find an activity for nearly every personality type and interest.
A senior living professional can customize a weekly life plan complete with engaging activities for lifelong learning. This is one of the roles of the SHINE Memory Care program which helps seniors with memory disorders preserve memories through healthy engagement.
Calendar activities include:
- Morning exercise
- Discussions about the news
- Storytelling hours
- Arts and crafts sessions
- Game nights
- Bible clubs
Exercise is fundamental to lifelong learning. It increases healthy blood flow to the brain, preventing fatigue and attention issues. Seniors are encouraged to start their days with an early morning walk.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy lifelong learning outside of the community, as well. Visiting families can also improve this mission by taking their senior loved ones to any of Portage’s museums and historical sites. It’s the perfect way to spend grandparents day!
Ideas include:
- Portage Historical Society Museum At the Portage
- Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion
- Portage Community Historical Society
- Countryside Park and Alton Goin Museum
Museums also have workshops and events seniors love, especially history buffs and Portage locals. There may also be volunteer opportunities for active seniors.
Seniors Education Programs
Active seniors are more than welcome to go back to school at a nearby college, university, or community college. These institutions offer continuing education and extension programs, which makes going back to school as an older adult easier. Seniors are also encouraged to explore courses at libraries, museums, and other learning centers.
Seniors should consider taking courses in basic computer skills. Exploring a new skill like technology can open up a world of educational possibilities. Other skills to explore include painting, gardening, animal care, and even basic electrical wiring.
The Rittenhouse senior living community offers WiFi. This allows seniors to take online courses to improve lifelong learning. Courses from major universities are available, as well as skill-building courses from companies across the industry spectrum.
Coursera, an online learning platform, is especially compatible with seniors’ needs. The platform has thousands of courses to choose from, all offered by accredited universities. Most courses are available for free, and for a minimal fee, seniors may earn a degree or professional certificate.
On Coursera, seniors can take the following courses:
- Computer science and beginning coding
- History and art history
- Science
- All humanities courses
- Political science
- English literature
- Business and Marketing
These courses are offered through learning modules, which include video lectures, readings, quizzes and exams, and discussion forums where students can engage and contribute thoughts to the class. Retired teachers living in senior communities can find fulfilling work as online teachers.
Lifelong Learning Programs from AARP
Another option is AARP’s Senior Planet Program. This online platform is packed with courses specially designed for seniors. These courses run the gamut, from senior wellness activities to academic courses like science and history.
Senior Planet course offerings include:
- Introduction to social media
- Functional strength training
- Graphic design tools for beginners
- Introduction to AI
- How to use digital coupons
Senior Planet courses are live-streamed, so they’re offered at specific times. Coursera courses are self-paced and may be completed at any time. Senior Planet uses video conferencing tools to help seniors engage with one another.
A senior living professional at Rittenhouse can help residents set up any applications and website registrations necessary for these learning experiences. They can also set up video conferencing applications to streamline communication with online instructors, classmates, and family members. Most of these applications are free to use and only require an account registration.
Discover the Benefits of Lifelong Learning
These senior years present a unique opportunity to nurture lifelong learning, whether it’s taking an art class or joining a book club. Rittenhouse Village at Portage is designed to enrich residents’ lives through engagement, nourishment, and community design.
Our team is led by trained professionals from the senior living sector. Book a tour to see our programs in action and experience our thriving community and beautiful grounds. We’re happy to answer all of your questions during your community tour in Portage, IN.
Your success is our success. Contact us to speak to a senior living professional and discuss your goals at length.
