Are you over 60 and searching for a sense of purpose? If so, you’re not alone. In this article I’m going to explain why I believe that a dedication to lifelong learning is the key to finding purpose in later life.
A lack of direction or purpose is something that’s common to many of us reaching the milestone of 60. We’ve lived full and varied lives with a day-to-day structure and purpose imposed by responsibilities to family, work, and other commitments. Now retirement looms and somehow that clear direction seems to have been lost. Other things can also be a factor; Divorce, bereavement, our children moving on. All of these things can leave us feeling lonely and unsettled and it can be difficult to see a positive way forward. But maybe if we can reframe, see this new phase of life as an opportunity for growth and adventure, then we can find the relevance and purpose we seek.
60 is just another life transition
If you think about it, our life’s meaning and purpose have changed many times throughout our lives. First there was childhood and our school years. Then came the exhilaration and angst of our late teens and early twenties. Eventually most of us transitioned on to the responsible years of climbing the career ladder, marriage, home ownership and children. Next came middle age, where maybe our children moved away and our focus became career advancement and building that pension pot. Each of these are life phases that we’ve already successfully negotiated. We got through them by learning new skills and moving forward. Now, in this next phase of life, we just need to do exactly the same thing.
Yes, everything around us is changing, so why not see this as an opportunity to change as well? By staying curious and expanding our knowledge we can create new possibilities, cultivate new skills, and even discover hidden passions. Embracing lifelong learning allows us to think positive, enrich our lives, connect with others, and gain a new sense of purpose.
In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: –
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
That sentiment doesn’t change just because we’ve reached the milestone of 60. Remember, ageing is a change in the body. It doesn’t affect our ability to learn and progress.
Extra time: Statistically you’ve still got 25 years
Life expectancy has been steadily increasing over the past few decades, thanks to advancements in healthcare, improved living conditions, and better access to education.
According to the UK Office of National Statistics, a British female born in 1920 and turning 60 in 1980, had an average life expectancy of 67.4 years. For someone born forty years later, in 1960, and therefore turning 60 in 2020, life expectancy is now 84.7 years. An extra 17.3 years!
As a result, more and more people are now reaching their 60s with a remarkable amount of time left ahead of them. This extended lifespan presents a unique opportunity for us to embark on a new adventure and find renewed purpose and fulfilment in our lives.
What do I mean by Lifelong Learning?
I think this definition from 360 Learning sums it up really well: –
“Lifelong Learning is an approach to learning—whether in personal or professional contexts—that is continuous and self-motivated. Lifelong Learning can be formal or informal, and takes place throughout an individual’s life, ‘from cradle to grave.’ “
I think that the key here is that lifelong learning is self-directed.
You can choose a formal education, as provided through academic institutions, where you study for a recognised qualification or a short course on a specific topic or skill. Nowadays, this type of education can be provided either in-person or online. This gives you the freedom to choose when and how you learn.
Informal learning can be almost anything. It could be a local community course, watching a documentary, joining a conversational language group, or watching a ‘How To” video on YouTube. We learn when we read a book, even a fictional one. I’m often amazed by how much information I pick up in this way. For instance, I recently was able to confidently state that the National Railway Museum was in York solely based on a detective series that I’d recently read.
Learning is a state of mind. It happens almost incidentally when we keep our minds open, pursue our curiosity and step out of our comfort zone.
Ways to Find Purpose through Lifelong Learning
Exploring New Passions and Interests
As we age, we get the chance to explore new passions and interests that we may not have had the time or opportunity to pursue earlier in life. Lifelong learning provides a platform for venturing into the unknown and discovering new aspects of ourselves. Whether it’s picking up a musical instrument, trying to bake bread, learning a new language or delving into the worlds of philosophy or gardening, there are countless possibilities to ignite your curiosity. The internet is a treasure trove of information on any given subject and can introduce you to communities of like-minded and supportive enthusiasts.
By actively engaging in activities that truly excite us, we can find joy and fulfilment and at the same time, gain a sense of purpose. Learning something new allows us to continually grow and evolve. It keeps our minds sharp and our spirits energised.
Reinventing Careers and Pursuing Entrepreneurship
Retirement doesn’t necessarily mean the end of our working lives. In fact, many people over 60 are choosing to reinvent their careers or explore entrepreneurship as a means of finding purpose and staying engaged. Lifelong learning plays a crucial role in this process, equipping us with the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on new professional ventures.
Through online courses, books, workshops, and even mentorship programs, you can acquire the expertise needed to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams.
Why not have a go at writing a novel or starting a blog or an online store? Perhaps you could be a consultant on something related to your previous profession. You will find ‘How to’ blogs, videos and courses on almost every subject to help you. Just Google what you’re interested in and hey presto!
Overcoming Technological Challenges
The rapid advancement of technology can sometimes seem overwhelming for those of us that didn’t grow up with it. However, instead of shying away from these advancements, embracing technology can open up a world of possibilities. From smartphones to social media platforms, technology can enhance connectivity, provide access to information, and facilitate learning.
I’m a bit of a technophobe myself and really struggled to get to grips with how to set up my blog. But by using online resources (blog post tutorials mostly) I managed to work my way through and get it done. If I can do it, you can do it too. You’ve just got to break everything down into manageable chunks and then take one step at a time. (You can read about how I set up my blog here.)
Embracing Online Learning Platforms
The rise of online learning platforms has revolutionized the way we acquire knowledge and skills. These platforms offer a wide range of courses, webinars, and tutorials on diverse subjects, making lifelong learning accessible to everyone, regardless of age or location.
Whether it’s learning a new language, exploring art history, learning how to be a virtual assistant or mastering digital marketing strategies, online platforms offer a wealth of educational content designed to cater to different learning styles and interests.
Additionally, the flexible nature of online learning allows you to tailor your learning experience to your own schedule and pace. This makes it easier to integrate learning into daily life without feeling overwhelmed or constrained.
The Role of Lifelong Learning in Mental and Emotional Well-being
Lifelong learning plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing mental and emotional well-being in later life. Engaging in it not only expands our knowledge but also offers various benefits that contribute to a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Boosting Self-confidence and Self-esteem
One of the incredible advantages of lifelong learning is its ability to boost self-confidence and self-esteem. By actively participating in new educational experiences, you acquire new skills and knowledge, which leads to a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. Learning new things empowers us to stretch our abilities and prove to ourselves that we are capable of mastering new challenges.
Building Social Connections and Relationships
Lifelong learning provides valuable opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and form meaningful relationships. Participating in educational programs, workshops, or classes allows us to engage in discussions, share experiences, and collaborate with others who share similar interests. These interactions can lead to new friendships, creating a sense of belonging and social support.
Combating Ageism and Stereotypes
A significant advantage of lifelong learning is its ability to combat ageism and challenge stereotypes associated with ageing. Engaging in continuous learning breaks the barriers of age-related assumptions and demonstrates that those of us over 60 are still capable, curious, and intellectually vibrant.
By actively pursuing knowledge and participating in learning opportunities, older adults can showcase their abilities, challenging societal perceptions regarding cognitive decline or limitations. Lifelong learning acts as a powerful tool to redefine what it means to grow older and challenges the notion that learning is solely for the young.
Moreover, when older adults engage in learning experiences alongside different age groups, it promotes intergenerational understanding, fosters empathy, and helps break down age-related barriers. This exchange of knowledge and perspectives creates an inclusive learning environment that promotes mutual respect and appreciation for the contributions of older adults.
And Remember – You can’t Fail
Trying something new is never a win/lose scenario. You try something and you like it, that’s great. Or, you find it’s not for you and move on. Either way you’ve learned something. You can’t fail, so why not just have a go?
Conclusion
Lifelong learning is truly the key to finding purpose in later life. By embracing a mindset of continuous growth and exploration, you can unlock a world of new opportunities and experiences. Whether it’s pursuing a new hobby, learning a new language, or acquiring new skills, the possibilities for personal and intellectual development are endless. By staying curious and stepping out of your comfort zone, you can not only enhance your cognitive abilities, but also foster a sense of fulfilment and purpose in your life. So, why not embrace the power of lifelong learning and embark on a journey of self-discovery that will enrich your life for years to come?
As always, thanks for sticking with me to the end.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below, and if you liked this post why not subscribe to my newsletter.
Sian. X
Hi Sian, another great post. I would add in 2 extra best practices 1) The power of attraction 2) Making a paradigm shift.
The power of attraction is the concept that the way you perceive yourself and express yourself attracts positive energy into your life (When it is positive thought) while negative thoughts bring the opposite
The paradigm shift is identifying a major change you want to make in your life and embarking with enthusiasm on the steps needed to make that change.
Both of these practices have really helped me over the years to overcome self doubt and grow into the person I want to be in life. The journey is not over yet but I’m enjoying the ride 🙂
Cheers
Dermot xx
Hi Dermot
Thank you so much for commenting.
You make two really good suggestions here which I will use for upcoming posts 🙂
Sian. xxx
Hi Sian,
Even if we intuitively know everything you have developed in your post, it still was a revelation for me… to see it( beautifully ) written has helped me a lot. I have lived a very very full and globally happy life, with super opportunities, a great job, great kids, great husbands… and now at 62, I feel guilty to feel hopeless, low and desperate about retiring ( in a few years not yet… but still, it overcomes me.. )… Friends gloat about how they want to retire and be free… and I feel so anxious, empty and the purpose of my life has vanished..
So thank you for that little light in the dark !
Hi Helene,
I’m so glad that this post was a help to you, I wrote it because I too felt just as you describe: hopeless, low, invisible etc. But why can’t there still be lots more ‘super opportunities’ out there for us? We just have to open ourselves up to them.
Wishing you every happiness, Sian.