By Shannin Prather
October 2020 | 2020 Fall Newsletter
With the COVID-19 pandemic making in-person interactions more difficult, taking a virtual class or two via internet, also known as “e-learning,” is the next best thing to being there in person. Participants can learn new languages, take virtual museum and zoo tours, participate in art classes, and more.
“Learning new skills through virtual classes can help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression and help improve one’s mood and feelings of well-being.” says Susan McInerney, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at a senior living community in Southern California. She also adds, “Older adults should continue to find new challenges.”
According to McInerney, physical activity is also beneficial in improving one’s mood. Even light exercise promotes changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. Fortunately, a wide variety of online exercise classes are available for all skill levels.
Several studies, such as a 2019 preliminary study conducted at the University of Hong Kong, have shown that when older adults learn a new language, game, or technology, it strengthens connections within the brain and helps to prevent memory loss.
Aside from enrolling in online courses offered by universities, which may be costly, there are multiple ways in which seniors can pursue lifelong learning.
For those who do not have access to the internet or do not feel comfortable navigating online, there are programs, such as Well Connected by Front Porch, that give seniors the opportunity to join educational or recreational group telephone calls for free. Learn more about Well Connected by calling (925) 956-7400.
There are many platforms for e-learning these days, which can be accessed with a computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone. Search for subjects of interest, such as “beginner yoga,” “guitar lessons,” or “basic computer use,” on Youtube.com and find several videos to watch for free.
Learn to speak a new language, free of cost, on duolingo.com or try Babbel.com to learn to speak, read, and write in a new language.
Lectures from acclaimed schools, such as Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), are also available to watch, at no cost, at academicearth.org.
Whether it is learning about Medicare Part D or tracing family genealogy, the desire to acquire new knowledge exists throughout one’s lifespan and is critical for adults who want to stay up-to-date in a changing world. Whether in arts and culture, history, computer use, music, health, or whatever the field of interest is, there is sure to be an online course for it.
With the COVID-19 pandemic making in-person interactions more difficult, taking a virtual class or two via internet, also known as “e-learning,” is the next best thing to being there in person. Participants can learn new languages, take virtual museum and zoo tours, participate in art classes, and more.
“Learning new skills through virtual classes can help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression and help improve one’s mood and feelings of well-being.” says Susan McInerney, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at a senior living community in Southern California. She also adds, “Older adults should continue to find new challenges.”
According to McInerney, physical activity is also beneficial in improving one’s mood. Even light exercise promotes changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. Fortunately, a wide variety of online exercise classes are available for all skill levels.
Several studies, such as a 2019 preliminary study conducted at the University of Hong Kong, have shown that when older adults learn a new language, game, or technology, it strengthens connections within the brain and helps to prevent memory loss.
Aside from enrolling in online courses offered by universities, which may be costly, there are multiple ways in which seniors can pursue lifelong learning.
For those who do not have access to the internet or do not feel comfortable navigating online, there are programs, such as Well Connected by Front Porch, that give seniors the opportunity to join educational or recreational group telephone calls for free. Learn more about Well Connected by calling (925) 956-7400.
There are many platforms for e-learning these days, which can be accessed with a computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone. Search for subjects of interest, such as “beginner yoga,” “guitar lessons,” or “basic computer use,” on Youtube.com and find several videos to watch for free.
Learn to speak a new language, free of cost, on duolingo.com or try Babbel.com to learn to speak, read, and write in a new language.
Lectures from acclaimed schools, such as Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), are also available to watch, at no cost, at academicearth.org.
Whether it is learning about Medicare Part D or tracing family genealogy, the desire to acquire new knowledge exists throughout one’s lifespan and is critical for adults who want to stay up-to-date in a changing world. Whether in arts and culture, history, computer use, music, health, or whatever the field of interest is, there is sure to be an online course for it.