09 Feb Am I Too Old?…

Did I get your attention? I am not really talking about me persay, but rather a question I would get asked by adult students before considering lessons,  and also a question people may ask themselves once they reach a certain age. After teaching guitar for many years, I have heard the refrain, ‘ Am I too old… (to- insert interest here) “to learn an instrument?’ I can honestly say  I never thought there was a time limitation to learning. So, of course i tell the adult that wants to study guitar, of course not!

( my sister in law and I at a wine tasting event)

I look at my mom as a prime example. She is 73 years old, and is taking continuing education classes on European culture. My siblings and I purchased a semester of classes ( unlimited) as a gift after she expressed and interest.             My Mom was a teacher all of her life and wanted to continue to learn throughtout her life.

I decided a few years ago, that i wanted to take an acting class. Although I was a bit nervous, not knowing what to expect, I was excited by the idea of learning something new, and also seeing what my abilities were.

What are some benefits of doing something you haven’t but always wanted to do in life? Painting, acting, learning an instrument, dance.. or whatever you choose, has mental benefits as well, as we age. Not only can it be something that brings us joy, but according to “Harvard Health Publishing”,on-going learning  can help our cognitive processes.”Challenging your brain with mental exercise is believed to activate processes that help maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them.” Learning a new hobby can help brain function in this way.

I also feel challenging ourselves, learning something new, keeps us “young’ in mindset and at heart. Having a “stale’ routine which is comfortable, but not perhaps, exciting or interesting, can create a lack of motivation and inspiration.

At the present, I work on the blog all week from home. My husband works from home in the IT business.xxWe have just 2 puppies here at home. So having friends over, or going out to see people we now really is important for our well-being.  Not only does taking a new skill or learning a new class help foster creativity, increase brain activity, but also is a social outlet. Being around other people, being social and learning from other people also stimulates us, and has shown to be one important factor in aging well. When I worked as an Elementary teacher I would visit the local coffee shop which was right next to Davidson University. I would often hear students and older professors engaged in discussion and debate, thinking to myself, ‘ that must certainly keep you young and your mind active.’

Studies have shown that being socially active, with friends, by taking up a hobby, etc. can lower your stress, develop less health problems as we age, and improve cognitive function. I  feel like I need to laugh more, and let my “inner kid” out! Not only does finding hobbies, interests and other passions in life have a positive influence on aging, it is what makes life more interesting and colorful! I have always believed it is never to late to learn something new, so don’t let age get in the way of your interests!

Have you ever asked yourself that question when wanting to learn something new or take up a hobby?

Have you ever held yourself back from doing something you wanted because you felt “too old”?

Thank you! I love to hear from you.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Jess xo

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