The Benefits of Continuous Learning

By Barbara C. Bourassa

Whether you're a stay-at-home mom who wants to learn how to cook, or an executive contemplating a career change, going back to school, learning a new skill, or setting a goal at midlife can be both exciting and fulfilling. Better yet, research shows that continuous learning provides many benefits, including building confidence and possibly preventing age-related mental decline.

In some ways, it's natural that when summer ends and the cool weather kicks in, our thoughts turn to going back to school. In part, that's because for many parents or grandparents, September has always meant some kind of new routine for the kids, or a quieter house for whoever is left after they leave.

But other factors also play a role. For many middle-agers who've been in their role or industry for 15-20 years, mid-life is a good time to stop, reassess priorities, and/or reach out in new directions. This is a normal part of hitting your 40s and 50s, say career counselors, and they encourage people who are questioning what they do or how they do it (whether that means work, life, hobbies, or volunteer work) to fully explore their feelings of unrest, unsettledness, or boredom.

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., who provides career planning, advice and information to midlife professionals, says that teaching people to listen to their intuition can help them move in new but necessary directions. In other words, if you're feeling tired of your family dinners, your intuition may be telling you that you could benefit from experimenting with new ingredients. If you're feeling stifled or held back at work, your intuition may be telling you that you need to get out of the office, visit a client or attend a conference that may help you pick up new skills or make new contacts.

Adding to your knowledge base — whether that means pursuing a Master's degree or attending a parenting seminar—usually builds confidence, as it gives you a new set of information and tools to work with.

But learning new skills or setting new goals also helps keep the brain sharpened, much like training for and running a 5K builds strong muscles in your legs. And continuously challenging the brain, even through seemingly simple tasks like filling out crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble, or reading books and magazines, has been shown in several studies to keep the mind sharp and agile. An article in the August 2005 issue of Science, for instance, highlights a study that found that "keeping mentally and physically active when young and/or middle-aged can help stave off the brain degeneration of Alzheimer's disease."

To keep the mind conditioned, consider signing up to learn a new dance move, perfect a hobby, or fine tune your musical skills. Experts at The Mayo Clinic also suggest interacting with others, volunteering, staying on top of current events, or reading new types of books to keep the brain keen and nimble. In short, an active brain is a healthy brain.