The need for development, discovery, and intellectual stimulation doesn’t go away as we get older. It gets more important, as it is essential for mental engagement. Fortunately, seniors now have a long list of options to continue learning from the comforts of home, thanks to the digital era. Learning a new language, pursuing a passion project, or studying academic subjects are just a few of the many opportunities the virtual world provides, and with support from companion care at home providers and their loved ones, seniors can learn something new each day.
Online Workshops and Courses
Several sites on the internet provide courses on almost any topic you can think of. Seniors can study subjects that interest them at their speed by taking premium courses with more specialized information on websites like Udemy or Skillshare, or they can take free courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy.
Some of the subjects they can discover include the following:
- History & Culture
- Languages
- Creative Arts
- Technology Skills
With the help of companion care at home, they can explore these subjects—and more. Also, their support system can help with technical issues that might arise as well as getting them used to using particular platforms.
Virtual University Programs
Online learning has become popular at many universities and institutions, and some even have programs designed with seniors in mind. This allows seniors to engage in lectures and conversations without the stress of tests or grades by taking advantage of sometimes free or heavily discounted class audit options.
Two of those options are listed below:
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI): OLLI provides a wide range of online courses and programs tailored for individuals 50 years of age and above.
Massively Open Online Courses (MOOCs): MOOCs are free online courses that give users access to top-notch lectures and resources from universities like Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and others.
Online Discussion and Book Clubs
Virtual book clubs offer the ideal combination of mingling and reading for people who love both. Seniors can take part in online local library programs or join book groups on sites like Goodreads. Additionally, many websites and organizations provide online discussion groups on a variety of subjects, such as philosophy, history, and current affairs. These offer great chances to have thought-provoking discussions with people who share similar interests.
DIY Learning and Online Tutorials
Online resources such as YouTube and Instructables provide information and instructions on a variety of activities, from cooking and woodworking to knitting and gardening. These are especially helpful platforms for seniors who prefer experiential learning. They have access to step-by-step instructions, video tutorials, and online communities where they can even share their work if they would like. Additionally, with companion care by their side, they can be reminded about safety rules while online.
Virtual Travel
Seniors can now travel to new locations without ever leaving their homes thanks to virtual tours and experiences developed by museums, art galleries, and other cultural organizations across the globe. Another way to travel is through VR headsets, giving seniors the ability to go wherever and whenever they want.
The thrill of learning has no age restrictions, and it’s a great way for seniors to stay mentally engaged. There are many ways companion care at home and loved ones can support seniors’ online adventures, from suggesting places to travel to help them register for online classes.
Sources: https://www.senior-talk.com/blog/embracing-lifelong-learning-in-the-digital-age-for-seniors
https://medium.com/@samanthawolhuter/the-power-of-online-learning-embracing-education-in-retirement-85f50b38740c
https://www.osherfoundation.org/olli.html
https://www.mooc.org/