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You Are Never Too Old To Learn

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By Duchess OBlunt


Growing demographics of seniors
Growing demographics of seniors

How Old Are You?

What have you always wanted to learn about? It's not too late - I don't care how old you are.

Have you seen 10 years, 50 years or an entire century? You are not too old to learn more. And today, more than ever there are resources available to help you with whatever it is you want to learn about.

Don't sit and think about it.  Don't put it off or wait for tomorrow.  Take the time today to learn about whatever it is that interests you.


Learn something you enjoy
Learn something you enjoy

What have I learned recently?

Wonder of wonders, even at the ripe old age of 50, I am still learning. I think I would have been a great professional student if I could have afforded it. Things interest me. I doubt if the same things that interest me would interest you. And the wonderful thing about the age in which we live in, there is information at our fingertips today that just wasn't available 50 years ago.

I love to write. That's probably just stating the obvious as I am here on HubPages and that's what we do here. But it's more than just an avenue for making money. It's something that makes me happy and just works for me on many levels. And it is something that encourages me to continue to learn. In many cases I need to research things in order to write about them. Why for example, do we not have the same problem with bees this year as we have had in the past? Because I am curious, I researched the issue and came up with a HubPage topic. Got a Bee in your Bonnet? Lucky You! In the process of writing, I am afforded the opportunity to learn from others who are better at it and have been at it longer than I have.


computer library
computer library
Learn a new craft
Learn a new craft

Teaching what you know while learning from your students

I have had the privilege of teaching our community senior citizens how to use the computer.  One of our local churches received a donation of 100's of used computers.  They gathered together all their techy people and refurbished as many of them as they were able.  Some were designated to be given to those in their community who could not afford their own and some were designated to their church library.

I was approached and asked if I would be willing to teach the seniors who wanted to learn.  What an incredible opportunity as a volunteer!  While I had the opportunity to share some of my own knowledge, I was given a glimpse into many worlds that I would not have had the opportunity to know about on my own.

I do believe that I was the one most rewarded in the three years I taught this class.  


Resources for Learning

For those who can afford it, there is the normal course of Higher Education. And while age should not be a factor in who attends these institutions, it is often the young who have the vitality, and the time to take advantage of this valuable resource (even if they spend the next 40 years paying for it).

However, there are many alternative resources to consider - outside of the school of hard knocks.

  • Your local library often offers courses and seminars free of charge
  • Your local church may offer courses
  • Night classes are available at almost any educational facility for a fee
  • Correspondence courses
  • Long distance learning for those with a computer and internet access
  • Volunteer your time in exchange for lessons or classes in your field of interest
  • Books for "dummies" are a great resource
  • DVD courses
  • Volunteer in your community and learn from those you teach
  • The internet itself offers one of the most comprehensive opportunities to learn
  • Life has a strange way of teaching us every day. All we have to do is be open to the opportunities.

Live, Learn, Love

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Comments

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James A Watkins profile image

James A Watkins  says:
3 months ago

I am with you all the way. In fact, my learning is accelerating. In the past 5 or 10 years I have read more than ever before, trying to soak up everything worthwhile that I can. You are right: we are never too old to learn. Good work.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
3 months ago

Reading, now "why didn't I think of that?" I have to add that to my List of Resources.

Scott.Life  says:
3 months ago

I have to agree with James my true learning has just begun. Napoleon Hill thought that the man that considered his learning done after he graduated school was doomed to failure, while the majority of success stories in this nation are those who made a point to devote time every day to learning and continued education and the collection of knowledge. Great Hub Duchess

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
3 months ago

Thanks Scott. Here's to learning!

Paradise7 profile image

Paradise7  says:
3 months ago

I also have to agree with James that my learning has just begun. Thank you for an encouraging hub, Duchess. By the way, I made your Hill Billy Casserole in the crock pot and it's good! It was aromatherapy while it was cookin', too.

Catherine R profile image

Catherine R  says:
3 months ago

Great hub. So true. I find that I am learning to read music at the age of 43. This is all because I have become involved with my daughter's violin classes. I never learned an instrument as a child (or not for long anyway). Anyway I am reading music well now and am almost at the point of picking up a violin myself! You are absolutely right - I think I will!

Storytellersrus profile image

Storytellersrus  says:
3 months ago

Okay, I am totally here. I have spent the past six weeks studying How to Read Chinese Poetry and publishing hubs that reflect my learning. I LOVE THIS! So the poems aren't brilliant... yesterday I felt ill. I spent all afternoon on a Shi song poem and by the end, I felt GREAT! It has got to be psychological, contributing to the meaning of life, this learning. GREAT HUB!

Jaspal profile image

Jaspal  says:
3 months ago

I agree with you and all the comments above fully. Subconsciously, we are all learning as we live life. But it is important for our self confidence and self esteem to deliberately put in effort and upgrade our knowledge in our chosen fields. The active mind will also constantly keep branching out into new interests - isn't that what is called growth or development?

Storytellerrus is so right: Acquiring knowledge and new skills is psychologically uplifting. It is therapeutic, and adds more meaning to life.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
3 months ago

Paradise, thanks for trying the Hill Billy Casserole. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Aromatherapy? What a great descriptive word for cooking! I never thought of it that way. Here's to my learning as well.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
3 months ago

Catherine, please do pick up the violin and learn. My son is currently learning to play the guitar, and while he has people close at hand who are willing to help him (almost my entire family play the guitar), he often can be found sitting at MY computer, learning from some web sites that offer free classes on certain songs. Perhaps you can find something similar for the violin? Good luck! Maybe, when you feel you are up to it, you can record something and play for us here? That would be pretty awesome!

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
3 months ago

Storytellersrus, what a great idea - learning how to read Chinese Poetry. I'm on my way over to your hubs to check out your learnings! Thanks for sharing your story.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
3 months ago

Jaspal, thank you for stopping by. It's always a pleasure to hear from you. And many of the other "fans". I am encouraged to continue with my quest for learning and am happy to have you all join me. I look forward to reading about what you all have been learning.

In fact, I'm on my way to your hubs now to see what I can learn from you.

Feline Prophet profile image

Feline Prophet  says:
3 months ago

I think anyone who reads a lot is automatically learning new things everyday...there is just so much out there we don't know! :)

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
3 months ago

I KNOW! One of the reasons I am an avid reader. I don't think I'll live long enough to learn everything I want to.

Ginn Navarre profile image

Ginn Navarre  says:
3 months ago

You are so right, we are never to old to learn and I am here to tell you that at the age of 77 I am still turning all the pages of those books.

I too have (self-published) my own books and love writing them. Have you tried AUDIO books too. We sometimes forget those that have poor vision when we get in our senior years, I personally have read many books---(with my ears) that I would probably not have picked up in paper. I wrote a hub (My ears can Read) and got several comments from seniors. Thanks for this read.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
3 months ago

Hello Ginn. Honestly, I had not thought of Audio books I'm sorry to say. But it's a wonderful idea! I'm told I have a great voice, maybe I should try something like this. It's definitely worth looking into.

Do you have a list of your books? I don't see anywhere on your profile that can point me in the right direction.

knell63 profile image

knell63  says:
3 months ago

I agree Duchess you are never to old to discover something new and the internet is brilliant for that. You just have to decide what you want to learn. There is always a site, someone offering advice or forums to guide you. Downloads, upload, Ebooks, directories, you name it and somewhere you will find the lessons you need.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
3 months ago

For sure, the internet has proven to provide information on almost anything you can imagine. The difficulty then is obviously, what do I want to learn? I'm there in fact. Still thinking

ripplemaker profile image

ripplemaker  says:
3 months ago

Yes we are never too old to learn. I'm currently learning how to speak Mandarin, perfect my breakfast menu for the family, do comedy acts with dayzeebee on video and so much more. It's very exciting and I hope to learn more and more each day. Thumbs up! :)

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
3 months ago

Ripplemaker, how do you manage to find the time to come and check out so many hubs? You are a busy girl. But like you say, it provides the opportunity to learn new things. And that's a good thing.

Breathe. Again. Now GO!

\Brenda Scully  says:
3 months ago

i am learning everyday...... a thirst for knowledge lovely hub well done

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
3 months ago

I'm glad you enjoyed the hub Brenda. Learning everyday should be everyone's goal.

bayareagreatthing profile image

bayareagreatthing  says:
3 months ago

This is so awesome! I am in school and let's just say i am in the second half of life LOL. If you quit learning you better check your pulse! Great hub!

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
3 months ago

Bay Area that's great about being in school. I trust it is because it is something you want to do. I know someone who just got her EMBA and she has reached the 50 marker.

Thanks for stopping by

ripplemaker profile image

ripplemaker  says:
3 months ago

Hi Duchess, I'm back to read your response LOL I find it a joy to read hubs and learn and connect with people like you. :) I squeeze in the time to do some hub reading (although not as much as I want to though). We're going to do a video shoot today...I'm feeling jitterish but your comment warmed my heart. I remember to tell myself, "I am never too old to learn!" LOL Have a nice day!

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
3 months ago

All the best on your video shoot! (Still breathing?)

IslandVoice profile image

IslandVoice  says:
2 months ago

I'm old and learning. I enjoyed this hub very much!

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
2 months ago

Aloha Island Voice (did I spell the correctly?) thanks for stopping by an saying Hello

Anamika S profile image

Anamika S  says:
2 months ago

I think so too! I am into learning something or the other all the time.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
2 months ago

Aren't we all? (Thank goodness)

agungssuleiman profile image

agungssuleiman  says:
4 weeks ago

I AGREE with you as long as we are given the opportunity by the Creator to live, we must always keep ourselves learning from others and from this life.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt  says:
4 weeks ago

Good point agungssuleimman thank you

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