We all desire to live a long, happy, and healthy life. You might think that a balanced diet and regular exercise is the key to longevity, but did you know that how you exercise your brain is just as important for living longer? Recent studies have shown that keeping your brain active could be the missing ingredient in warding off many diseases. Whether you have a natural curiosity towards learning or you are new to self-study, you’re going to want to know about the benefits of lifelong learning. 

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We know that learning doesn’t end in the classroom. As we navigate life, we are constantly learning new things, whether it’s for personal or professional reasons. 

Continuing education is defined as a self-led form of education that usually takes place outside of a formal learning environment (such as school or university) and can cover a wide range of subjects. It’s a broad term that includes learning a new skill, taking up a new hobby, or simply researching something you’re curious about. 

What makes being a lifelong learner unique is that it is usually voluntary, and driven by a desire to improve your knowledge in some way. Humans have a natural desire to explore, learn, and grow, and ongoing learning is an excellent way to explore your interests on a deeper level. 

Science shows that challenging your mind on a regular basis might be the key to living a longer and healthier life. In David Snowdon’s groundbreaking research The Nun Study of Ageing and Alzheimer’s Disease, data collected over many years revealed that getting older doesn’t have to mean a decline in cognitive ability. 

The study began in 1986 and involved over 600 Catholic nuns ranging in age from 75 to 106. The purpose of the study was to examine how activities, academic study, and past experiences impacted health and overall longevity. 

The results were surprising to say the least! One of the major findings from the study was that lifestyle and education has the power to deter Alzheimer’s symptoms. The more education a participant had experienced, the longer they tended to live. 

The nuns were encouraged to write in their journals as a way of reflecting on their experiences in the sisterhood. Those that wrote regularly and used more complex words were more likely to live longer compared to other nuns. 

Furthermore, the nuns that wrote in their journals in an optimistic, positive, and uplifting way were found to experience a smaller risk of developing cognitive diseases compared to those who were less optimistic. 

What makes this study even more interesting is that once the nuns passed away, they agreed to donate their brains for scientific research. Further analysis showed that even when the nun’s brains contained high amounts of plaque (which usually indicated a strong likelihood of Alzheimer’s) this didn’t mean they always suffered from the disease. 

Our brains might change as we age, but it’s not the full picture. Being diagnosed with a cognitive disease isn’t a simple yes or no, but rather a process that can happen over decades and can be affected by a number of factors. 

The nun study was groundbreaking in demonstrating that making positive changes in the present has the potential to make ageing a much more enjoyable journey. Through the power of continuing education and positive reflection, many nuns experienced excellent mental function into old age, even if their brains told a different story. 

If you’d like to read about this study in more detail, you can read Snowdon’s book Ageing with Grace: The Nun Study and the science of old age. How we can all live longer, healthier and more vital lives.

Convinced that continuing education is essential for adding years to your life but don’t know where to start? Here are our essential tips to help you become a lifelong learner. 

The great thing about lifelong learning is that it is informal, flexible, and self-guided. If your school days bring back memories of boredom and repetition, you can relax, knowing that continuing education is a very different experience. Here at Centre of Excellence, our courses include a wide format of materials (including video, audio, and written) so you can work with your learning style. We all learn in different ways, so you can be sure to find a way of learning that works for you.

The flexibility of becoming a lifelong student means you don’t have to spend hours every day studying. Even ten minutes a day of studying something you’re curious about - from photography to bird watching - will help you reap the benefits of lifelong learning. This is why self-paced study is more popular than ever. The only deadlines are the ones you set for yourself. There’s no pressure with this type of learning, only a natural enhancement of the curiosity that already exists within you. 

When you learn something new, you feel a sense of accomplishment. Taking the time to learn a new skill, hobby, or interest is one of the best ways to boost confidence because you are proving to yourself that you are capable of growth. Seeing lifelong learning as a personal growth journey will give you the motivation you need to turn a one-time study session into an enjoyable habit. 

Growing older does not have to mean a gradual slide into illness. It can be a time of continuing happiness, productivity, and intellectual growth. Rather than seeing ageing as a problem, we can choose to see it as an opportunity to keep learning and experiencing new things. 

Continuing education should be driven by enjoyment above all else. Unlike formal education, being a lifelong learner is all about the opportunity to create your own learning journey based on what interests and excites you. 

We live in a time where it’s possible to research and study pretty much anything. From aquaponics to sound healing, you can be sure to find resources on even the most unique of interests. Lifelong learning caters to all passions and curiosities, making education accessible for all. 

'Lifelong learning is also a great opportunity to rekindle enthusiasm, especially if you’ve experienced life-changing events. If you’ve retired, changed careers, or are simply experiencing a dip in motivation, studying something you’re interested in could give you the motivational boost you need to begin making the most out of life again.' Sara lou-ann Jones, Centre of Excellence

At Centre of Excellence, we provide a state of the art learning platform that will help you make continuing education a reality. Our Grow Membership is our most affordable learning experience that gives you access to 12 courses per year, including 12 additional audio courses and bonus reward points. Do something for your future self and start your learning journey today.