In the 1970s and 1980s researchers on human intelligence believed that our brains had the capability of attaining and IQ of 2000, when a genius was only able to attain an IQ of 160 to 200. However, today researchers have concluded that they really do not know the capability of human intelligence. In fact, scientists and researchers agree that there is still more that they do not know about the human brain than they do know. Thus, your potential for learning is also unknown. You must never stop learning.
Sources On Aging and Learning
The Ohio Department of Aging makes the rather dogmatic statement that continuing one’s education past the normal retirement age actually helps to maintain or even improves one’s physical and mental well-being. Their website lists 20 learning institutes in Ohio, many of which have schools or colleges for “lifelong learning.” And many Ohio colleges and universities also offer free college courses for Ohio residents age 60 and over. See the “Ohio Department of Aging Lifelong Learning” website. Also, you can check for a similar online website for your state.
And then there is U3A, the University of the Third Age. This self-help organization is located in the UK and other countries and requires no qualifications or examinations. This university was founded in 1982 and is devoted to people who want to keep active in mind and body well after normal retirement age. It helps those over 60 learn new things, expand their knowledge and share skills and experiences with others to help them learn. This university emphasizes that age is no barrier to learning.
If you would like informative documentary videos on aging adults in the U.S. and around the world, go to the “Instructional Film List” by the National Center for Gerontological Social Work Education, a Geriatric Social Work Initiative funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation. There are dozens of films listed with a brief content description and links for more information on obtaining or viewing each film.
Finally, visit healthybrainfood.com and its article “How To Keep a Youthful Brain,” which includes dozens of links to articles and other resources on the importance of learning as you grow older. The featured article emphasizes to never stop learning and lists numerous tips to help maintain a youthful and sharp mind.
Why Stop Learning?
Another article at “pickthebrain.com” states that 42 percent of college graduates, undoubtedly some from the best schools online, never again read another book. Certainly, that is a mistake! I have five books, which I am currently reading; and I wish I had the time to just sit down and read each one all the way through. My dad retired in his fifties, as I did, but never stopped working and learning. My pastor is eighty-one years of age and still preaches and travels all over the world visiting fellowship churches, which spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in over 100 countries around the world in over 1700 churches. Obviously, I have no reason to stop working and learning; and I have no plans to do so. The fact that you have read this entire article indicates you are similarly minded; and you too really want to “Never Stop Learning”!
Thank you for reading!
