Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Most people associate learning with formal education at school, college, university etc. We are all told, from an early age, that we should ‘get a good education’.

Generally speaking it is true that a formal education and the resulting qualifications are important. Education may maximise our potential to find better, more satisfying jobs, earn more and, perhaps, become more successful in our chosen career.

However, ‘schooling’ is only one type of learning. There are many other opportunities to further your knowledge and develop the skills you need throughout life.

Knowledge can be acquired and skill-sets developed anywhere – learning is unavoidable and happens all the time. However, lifelong learning is about creating and maintaining a positive attitude to learning both for personal and professional development.

Lifelong learners are motivated to learn and develop because they want to: it is a deliberate and voluntary act.

Lifelong learning can enhance our understanding of the world around us, provide us with more and better opportunities and improve our quality of life.

As we enter the new economy of the 21st century, named the Knowledge Society by management guru Peter Drucker, lifelong learning is more important to our individual lives, our community and our society than ever before.

According to the Learning Resources Network (LERN), a leading association in lifelong learning, lifelong learning now has multiple benefits for us all.

Being open and curious has profound personal and professional benefits. While few studies validate this observation, I’ve noticed in my own interactions that those who dedicate themselves to learning and who exhibit curiosity are almost always happier and more socially and professionally engaging than those who don’t. 

Our capacity for learning is a cornerstone of human flourishing and motivation. We are uniquely endowed with the capacity for learning, creation, and intellectual advancement. Have you ever sat in a quiet place and finished a great novel in one sitting? Do you remember the fulfillment you felt when you last settled into a difficult task — whether a math problem or a foreign language course — and found yourself making breakthrough progress? Have you ever worked with a team of friends or colleagues to master difficult material or create something new? These experiences can be electrifying. And even if education had no impact on health, prosperity, or social standing, it would be entirely worthwhile as an expression of what makes every person so special and unique.

The reasons to continue learning are many, and the weight of the evidence would indicate that lifelong learning isn’t simply an economic imperative but a social, emotional, and physical one as well. We live in an age of abundant opportunity for learning and development. Capturing that opportunity — maintaining our curiosity and intellectual humility — can be one of life’s most rewarding pursuits.

Learning new skills is essential to advancing your career. It diversifies your job options and helps you develop new techniques to keep up with the fast-changing world. But there are other benefits, too. Here are few benefits of learning new skills—no matter your age or profession, or type of skill you learn.

Learning is a Key to Happiness

The benefits of learning new skills are far-reaching. Beyond improved performance, learning can also increase happiness.

When people learn, their well-being and happiness can blossom. People with more education get better jobs that pay more money, are less physically demanding, and increase happiness and enjoyment.

 It rewires your brain.

Studies have shown that whenever something new is learned, fresh connections can form between neurons. This phenomenon is known as neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to change throughout life.

By creating new pathways in the brain and practising the new skills over time, the repetition will make the pathways work even better. As such, learning new skills in your free time is one of the best things you can do for your brain.

 You could stave off dementia.

People who learn a new skill are less likely to develop dementia, which has been linked to the demyelination of your brain. People who actively learn new skills don’t give their brains a chance to demyelinate, and their neural pathways are ready for new impulses to travel along with them.

It may improve your memory.

Just like you can train your body to run an 8-minute mile or do a perfect squat, you can train your mind to remember things more efficiently. Learning new skills – especially when you share that knowledge with others – helps flex your memory muscles. The simple act of learning something new, and then repeating it, helps improve your overall recall.

It increases your adaptability

Many employees struggle at work when a new CEO comes in, or when radical changes are made to their routine roles. This is where new skills can come in handy. For example, if you take a time management course, you’ll have more time and room to help you adapt to change. Time management training will also help you take on new ways of working with optimism. Also, note that the willingness to learn new skills increases your confidence and nurtures a growth mindset. That helps you grow as a person and a professional.

 It opens doors

When you learn a new language, doors open for you to work in different types of companies (that need dual-language speakers), not to mention overseas. When you learn to program, you stand a better chance of getting a promotion. When you learn how to play an instrument, you open up a new income stream. When you learn how to design websites, write essays, or perform virtual secretary skills, you become eligible for part-time freelance opportunities. Whichever new skill you acquire, a new door of opportunity will always open for you. New streams of income are very important, especially now that most economies of the world are facing financial hardships. It’s also important to earn extra money to save income for retirement.

A final note

These days, expanding your knowledge and skill base is more requirement than choice. If you don’t know what to study or which learning opportunities are at your disposal, try looking into the things you're curious about. Ask yourself, “What have I been interested in or passionate about since childhood?” Answer that and you’ll discover the learning journey you should pursue. You’ll also discover immeasurable satisfaction in learning. Whether for hobby or career purposes, learning brings joy and satisfaction, regardless of age or professional standing.