No matter your age, if you want to stimulate your creativity, challenge your brain, boost your mental health, or simply stay informed, you need to be willing to learn new things. Research from the University of Madrid reveals that our brains continue generating new brain cells until our later years, even up to 97 years old. This astonishing fact serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to start embracing new learning and opportunities.
The survey “What Keeps You Sharp?”, conducted with over 3,000 people aged 40 to 90, revealed that 71% of respondents indicated that having a purpose in life is among the best activities for maintaining thinking skills, while 67% of participants believe that challenging their minds with games, puzzles and other brain-boosting activities is fundamental.
An article in the Harvard Business Review, authored by researchers David Mayer, Chen Zhang and Eun Bit Hwang, suggests an interesting approach to stress management. While many people either “power through” stress or “take a break,” the researchers found that focusing on learning can be a more effective way to alleviate stress. “This can mean picking up a new skill, gathering new information, or seeking out intellectual challenges,” highlight the researchers, adding that “engaging in learning activities can buffer workers from detrimental effects of stress including negative emotions, unethical behaviour and burnout”.
For learning to be enjoyable, it’s essential to focus on topics that you find interesting or activities you enjoy. Consider how the knowledge you acquire can be applied to your life, and identify study techniques that work best for you. This approach can help take your mind off daily worries, providing a sense of accomplishment and relaxation.
Learning is a continuous process of building and rebuilding knowledge. It involves experience, autonomy, reflection, dialogue, collective construction, creativity and openness to new ideas. Engaging in learning helps us adapt, develop abilities, enhance cognitive skills, improve our mental and physical health, enhance memory capacity and achieve personal and professional growth.
So, why not start learning something new today? Look for online or in-person courses in your area that offer opportunities for activities such as crafts, language learning, or musical instrument lessons. Joining groups to participate in activities with others can also keep your mind active.
If you are a senior, at the Universal Church we have a dedicated group called the Caleb Group, which regularly hosts meetings that encourage social interaction, self-care and other important topics. Participants can develop new skills, explore hobbies, engage in physical activities, build friendships and, most importantly, receive spiritual support. For more information, please call our 24-hour helpline at 020 7686 6000 or send a WhatsApp message to 020 7686 6010.
Every Tuesday, we also hold the Health Day meetings, where you can receive more tips on maintaining your health and well-being, as well as learn how to use your faith as a complement to any medical treatment you may be receiving. Join us at your nearest Universal Church.
Event: Health Day
Day and time: Tuesdays at 7.30pm (also at 7am, 10am & 3pm)
Location: At your nearest Universal Church
Please note that Universal Church’s spiritual advice is to be seen as a complement to the scientifically proven treatment you may be receiving. The Universal Church does not claim to heal people but believes that God can through the power of faith. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-47692495
https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/news/how-to-fight-stress-learn-something-new/
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