You Are Never Too Old To Learn

83

By Duchess OBlunt

© Duchess O’Blunt, 2010; all rights reserved.

Growing demographics of seniors
See all 3 photos
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.

Windows 8 For Seniors For Dummies
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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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Copyright

© Copyright to this article on Hubpages is owned by the Duchess O’Blunt and may not be copied without express permission from the writer. Payment for use of any articles written by the Duchess O’Blunt is by negotiation.

Comments

James A Watkins profile image

James A Watkins Level 8 Commenter 2 years 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 Hub Author 2 years ago

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

Scott.Life 2 years 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 Hub Author 2 years ago

Thanks Scott. Here's to learning!

Paradise7 profile image

Paradise7 Level 7 Commenter 2 years 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 2 years 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 Level 7 Commenter 2 years 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 Level 1 Commenter 2 years 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 Hub Author 2 years 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 Hub Author 2 years 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 Hub Author 2 years 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 Hub Author 2 years 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 Level 4 Commenter 2 years 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 Hub Author 2 years 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 Level 1 Commenter 2 years 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 Hub Author 2 years 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 2 years 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 Hub Author 2 years 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 Level 6 Commenter 2 years 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 Hub Author 2 years 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 2 years ago

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

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 2 years ago

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

bayareagreatthing profile image

bayareagreatthing Level 2 Commenter 2 years 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 Hub Author 2 years 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 Level 6 Commenter 2 years 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 Hub Author 2 years ago

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

IslandVoice profile image

IslandVoice Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago

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

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 2 years ago

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

Anamika S profile image

Anamika S Level 5 Commenter 2 years ago

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

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 2 years ago

Aren't we all? (Thank goodness)

agungssuleiman profile image

agungssuleiman 2 years 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 Hub Author 2 years ago

Good point agungssuleimman thank you

easylearningweb profile image

easylearningweb Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

I really enjoyed reading this hubpage, which is very inspiring to others and something I can really relate to! I am a computer lover, and love helping others. I have also had the privilege of teaching a group of senior citizens how to use computers a few years back and it was the one of the most enjoying projects I have ever experiencing.

I have a thirst for learning and I also love writing. So far, I have enjoyed writing hubpage articles. I've started on hubpages a few months, so I'm still learning the ropes. I'm not sure how to get a lot of followers yet, but I'm learning.

Thanks for your great hubs!

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 2 years ago

This is the best way to get followers. And to prove it, I'm on my way over to your profile to check it out. Thank you for your warm comments. :)

drbj profile image

drbj Level 8 Commenter 2 years ago

Lifelong learning I will praise to the sky. If you stop learning you curl up and die!

Well, maybe you won't die but you might as well. Great message, Duchess, and very well put. Your new fan.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 2 years ago

drbj - welcome newest fan and thank you!

Neil Ashworth profile image

Neil Ashworth 2 years ago

Nice article, heading back later for another look...

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 2 years ago

Thanks Neil. Come back often!

Neil Ashworth profile image

Neil Ashworth 2 years ago

Very good piece of writing.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 2 years ago

Thank you again Neil

tfhodge profile image

tfhodge 2 years ago

Great hub! My ex-girlfriend's grandmother went back to school to complete her BA at age 54. After she obtained her degree, she wasted no time in going for a law degree. Today, she is an attorney. The concepts of 'old' and 'new' have everything to do with the spirit, not the body. We are what we think, and therefore believe.

T.F. Hodge

Writer/Author/Blogger

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 2 years ago

Great story about your ex-girlfriend's grandmother! Love to hear about those types of things. I'm on a quest with my husband to learn a new language. They say 3 and under is the best time to learn - well, I am about a 1/2 century past that, but I'm still going to do it!

Thanks for dropping by!

Rebecca E. profile image

Rebecca E. 23 months ago

yes yes yes and yes, totally agree with this one, thanks thanks and more thanks.

Mystique1957 profile image

Mystique1957 23 months ago

My dearest Brenda...

I couldn´t agree with you more! I love learning new things, anything that picks my curiosity and renders me new vistas, I am in. Great attitude! Rated up and useful!

warmest hugs and infinite heavenly blessings,

Al

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 23 months ago

Thank you Rebecca and Mystique1957. Good to have both of your votes! As always, I appreciate your comments and your voting, since it always seems to be favorable!

*smile

ellinor 20 months ago

Fantastic hub, age has nothing to do with being able to learn is is the spirit in you and the willingness. Deepak Copra has written some good books about this subject. Thank you for being my friend again.

onegoodwoman profile image

onegoodwoman Level 4 Commenter 20 months ago

I am singing in your choir.

If nothing else, I will open the dictionary and learn a new word.

In my personal opinion, it is the learning that keeps us young-that and playing with the grandkids.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 20 months ago

ellinor - thanks you for the name of an author to read. I so love to read, and learn LOL

I'm happy to be your friend again, and I'm sorry your account got so messed up.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 20 months ago

onegoodwoman, I'm happy to have you join the choir, and I wish I had some of those grandchildren to play with. If my boys would just settle down! So, in the meantime, I'll have to contend myself with the learning to stay young.

Thanks for the visit!

LillyGrillzit profile image

LillyGrillzit Level 1 Commenter 15 months ago

Excellent Hub, the topic is dear to my heart. Like you stated, what a wonderful opportunity to teach and learn. I sense a kindred spirit here. I look forward to reading more of your Hubs!

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 15 months ago

Awesome LillyGrillzit - I'm looking forward to it as well. (what a great find from RedGage!)

thedutchman profile image

thedutchman 14 months ago

I like this article because I agree that learning is for everybody regardless of what age and culture we have. This article is inspiring. Thanks a lot! Keep it up!

Bhanu.Jas profile image

Bhanu.Jas Level 1 Commenter 12 months ago

Learning is never ending and continuos process and is not bound to age and time.I like ur article.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 12 months ago

Thanks Bhanu.Jas and thedutchman. We are always learning. It's the attitude that makes it work or not.

Appreciate the visits.

Susan 7 months ago

I'm from China, and I appreciate your encourage.I'm studying English now. Before I'm sky to take the English training class because of age. Of course now I've got rid of that burden.Life is going on, so learning should be going on, because happiness should be going on! you can E-mail to me yangsh0905@163.com

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 7 months ago

Susan - Good for you! Keep on learning. If English is what you are currently working on, you might enjoy this hub:

http://duchessoblunt.hubpages.com/hub/English-Its-

onlooker profile image

onlooker Level 4 Commenter 2 months ago

I agree no one is ever too old to learn. I am teaching Ma how to use the computer =) It is wonderful how you've opened our eyes to a bigger picture. This should be an eye opener. Thank you.

Duchess OBlunt profile image

Duchess OBlunt Hub Author 2 months ago

Good for your mother for learning, and you for teaching her! And thanks for stopping by

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