Are you looking for new ways to challenge yourself, expand your knowledge, and find a positive outlook on life? Book a date at the St. Louis Public Library for your choice of in-person or online opportunities to take an interesting and stimulating class.
You’re never too old to learn new things, enhance your life, or make your mark on the world and on those around you. And your local library is a wonderful place to start! The St. Louis County Library and St. Louis Public Libraries are great resources for area seniors located right in their own backyard.
Library Programs Available to You
A number of in-person and virtual library programs are being offered by the St. Louis County Library this Spring, including how to navigate iPhone apps, music and movement courses, writing classes, and, of course, book discussions and author events. The classes are being offered remotely over Zoom and scattered across library branches across the metropolitan area, as they want to make sure there are opportunities for you to attend close to your home.
The St. Louis Public Library also offers a wide variety of online self-improvement courses and training on subjects like computer coding, where you can learn how to create your own website or even make a video game, or courses to help you learn a new language of your choosing. Library card holders also get access to online education providers like Gale Courses, Learning Express Library, and LinkedIn Learning, which offer countless virtual education courses taught by experts in the field.
If you or your senior loved one has ever wanted to learn a new skill, take a refresher course or explore an intriguing topic, take advantage of one or more of these accessible educational opportunities. Lifelong learning can be beneficial for seniors in many ways – far beyond the content of whatever new subject matter they choose to master.
Health benefits of Lifelong Learning for seniors:
- Maintaining brain health – Consistent learning can help seniors maintain and even improve their cognitive health, reducing their risk of memory problems and dementia.
- Building self-esteem – Acquiring new skills or knowledge can work to enhance your sense of self-esteem. No one wants to feel as if they’re out of touch, and keeping up with others gives us a sense of purpose and relevance. Accomplishing goals can help you feel confident and give you a more positive outlook on life.
- Finding friends – Lifelong learning gives participants an opportunity for socialization and making connections with others. When seniors join classes, clubs, or interest-based groups, they meet people with whom they have things in common. Plus, having an activity on your calendar to look forward to can lessen feelings of isolation and depression. Social interactions not only help us maintain our emotional well-being, but can also help us build lasting and supportive friendships.
Taking courses as a senior can be as easy or challenging as you like. Unlike grade school, local library programs and classes don’t come with the pressure to achieve a certain grade — it’s all about the joy of learning. The important thing is keeping ourselves mentally and socially active, which can help us to live longer, healthier, and more satisfying lives.
Find more beneficial activities for seniors on Bethesda’s Health & Wellness blog.
