Honor. Community. Jewish Values.

Lifelong Learning

Henry Ford said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”

In the spirit of Mr. Ford’s words, we have noticed that – despite common perceptions – older individuals continue to show an innate drive to learn new things, stay connected to current happenings, challenge their minds and bodies, and stretch their minds in new ways. We have observed this trait in both Independent and Assisted Living.

As such, we do our best at Kavod Senior Life to provide hundreds of opportunities each year for our residents and community members to grow in their intellectual, social and spiritual interests. We call this, as others do, lifelong learning.

What is lifelong learning?

Lifelong learning goes well beyond formal education. It is means we voluntarily seek and achieve personal fulfillment on our own terms through a variety of exploratory avenues. We sign up for classes about something we really want to learn; we read more on topics that are of particular interest; we follow our curiosity, our passions and pursue ideas and concepts that even may be foreign to us. We want to stay stimulated, challenged and connected, whether on our own time, in the comfort of our own space, or together with new and old friends. It is the way we improve our own quality of life and/or self-worth by actively engaging in all that the world has to offer.

What are the benefits of lifelong learning?

Research shows that lifelong learning can have the following positive impacts, among others:

–Improves self-confidence

–Strengthens the brain and improves other wellbeing indicators such as sleep, stress and isolation, boredom, memory and problem-solving skills

–Allows greater socialization when learning in a group setting 

–Develops new hobbies and interests

–Renews self-motivation

–Improves society by a collectively engaged population

–Can increase life expectancy

Specific examples of lifelong learning:

Depending on someone’s starting point, almost any subject can provide opportunities for lifelong learning. However, some options could include crossword puzzles, Sudoku, reading, physical exercise, new technology, clubs, podcasts, journaling, teaching something to others and many, many more!

How to adopt lifelong learning in your life:

If you or someone you love is just now ready to grow in this area, here are some good starting points:

–Make learning a priority (e.g. schedule time for it, build it into your week)

–Make a list of what you’d like to learn

–Research what is available by going online, visiting a library or calling an expert on the subject.

–Note – Kavod has plenty of online and in-person classes (both on campus and out in the community) that are open to the public! 

–Kavod Assisted and Independent residents can download the Touchtown app to view all the opportunities at Kavod Senior Life. Ipads are available to access this free technology.

Residents and/or community members can sign up for Kavod on the Road programs held at various locations in the community, mostly synagogues

–Buddy up with a friend to discuss what you’ve been learning and/or keep yourself accountable to sticking with it

Overall, we want to encourage everyone, no matter his/her age, background or income level, to continue learning, growing, living well and staying active to enjoy a fulfilling life! 

Email us at Info@KavodSeniorLife.org to ask about how Kavod can provide a learning opportunity for you, a parent or a loved one.