Back-to-school time can be exciting. New supplies, a new year and new friends may all be on the radar for kids. But why should kids have all the fun? You're never too old to learn something new. Fun learning activities can make life exciting, keep your brain sharp and introduce you to new things you didn't know you loved. Try these options for learning as an older adult.
When you live at Broadmoor Court, you have access to a wide range of activities that let you learn something new. You'll find a variety of options, including arts and crafts and various clubs, to keep you engaged. These activities let you try new things and could spark a new interest that leads you to learning more on your own.
Beyond the grounds of your assisted living community, you can find a multitude of senior programming with fun learning opportunities. The Colorado Springs Senior Center is a local option offering a range of programming for residents 55 and older. Members can join a variety of classes on topics such as technology use, financial planning, art and exercise. Plus, visiting a senior center offers regular socialization, which can prevent you from feeling lonely and isolated.
The Pikes Peak Library District also offers a robust schedule of programming for all ages, including seniors. It includes varied topics like computer skills and creative projects. The library also offers senior chats and various clubs you can participate in.
Just as kids take field trips as part of their school curriculum, you can plan your own field trips to learn about things that interest you. If you live at Broadmoor Court, you have access to planned cultural outings, but you can also come up with your own adventures. With so many options for activities in Colorado Springs, seniors can learn while they explore the city.
Museums, arboretums, botanical gardens and similar spots are ideal for fun learning opportunities. You can choose one that has a theme that interests you. Colorado Springs offers a wide range of options, including the Space Foundation Discovery Center, National Museum of World War II Aviation, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum, Money Museum and ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Take your time exploring these locations. Look at the details in the displays, and read the plaques next to the displays to learn more about what you're seeing.
Going out into nature can also provide learning opportunities for seniors. Colorado Springs boasts varied natural features you can experience in person. You can also find tours of areas, such as historic cemeteries, mining areas and historic towns. These guided tours let you see the area firsthand and hear facts about it from your guide.
You might not be in your 20s, but you can still take college classes to expand your learning in your golden years. Many colleges offer programs for older adults for free or low-cost non-credit classes. At the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, adults 55 and older can participate in the Listening In program. You can enroll in regular classes at the university when space is available at a cost of $30 per credit hour. You don't earn academic credit, but it's an affordable way to learn something new and explore your interests. There is a similar option for veterans that costs $10 per class.
Lectures and presentations from experts offer another way to learn something new. Look for a lecture series at a public library, senior center or other local spot. Colleges also frequently host lectures that the general public can attend. Look for lectures on topics that interest you or that could benefit you, such as retirement expense planning. These presentations might cover a specific topic in depth or give a general overview. You might decide to dig deeper into the topic after going to the lecture.
If you can't find any organized options for what you want to learn, you can always teach yourself. Self-guided learning is an easy way to jump into any new topic. Plus, you have full control over how you learn the topic. There are lots of ways to teach yourself something new, including:
You can also dive right into new activities. Trial and error is a great way to learn something new. If you want to start painting, grab a few basic supplies and see what you can create. If you want to improve your cooking skills, find a recipe and test it out.
If you don't want to learn alone, organize a group of your peers to learn something. You can choose a subject that's new to all of you or something that's familiar. Maybe you have a friend who's been knitting for years and is willing to teach the rest of the group. It can also be fun to have people at different levels and with different areas of expertise so everyone can take turns teaching others. You might explore different topics each time you meet to keep things interesting.
