Ava Sinclair
Age is just a number, especially when it comes to learning and growing. It’s something that truly has no expiry date.
You might be surprised to know that people who continue to learn and grow well into their 60s and beyond have some common behaviors. These habits essentially fuel their never-ending quest for knowledge.
Continued personal growth is not an exclusive trait of the young. And the wisest among us know that there are certain behaviors that help foster this growth, even in the golden years.
In this article, I will be sharing these 8 behaviors that are commonly displayed by those who stay intellectually active and continue to learn in their 60s and beyond.
1) Lifelong curiosity
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it certainly invigorates the lifelong learner.
Those who continue to learn and grow into their 60s and beyond embody a sense of curiosity that is almost childlike in its intensity. They never lose that spark of interest in the world around them.
This curiosity is fuel for their continual learning. It drives them to ask questions, explore new topics, and dive into various fields of knowledge. They don’t just accept things at face value but strive to understand the underlying principles and concepts.
Curiosity is not just about gaining knowledge either. It’s about understanding different perspectives, challenging existing beliefs, and opening up to new ideas.
This openness to learning isn’t tied to any particular subject or field. From history to technology, from art to science, these lifelong learners are eager to absorb information from all corners.
So if you desire to keep learning and growing no matter your age, let your curiosity guide you. Embrace it as a natural part of your life – your journey of continuous personal growth.
2) Willingness to adapt
Adaptability is another key trait that lifelong learners in their 60s and beyond often exhibit. They understand that change is the only constant and are not afraid to embrace it.
Let me share a personal example. My grandma, well into her 70s, was always open to learning new technologies. She didn’t shy away when smartphones replaced traditional handsets or when emails took over handwritten letters. Instead, she saw them as opportunities to learn something new.
I still remember her excitement when she sent her first text message. It took her a while to get the hang of it, but she was so proud of herself when she finally did. And now, at the age of 80, she’s even active on social media, staying connected with family and friends, and keeping herself updated with the latest news.
Her willingness to adapt and learn new skills, no matter how unfamiliar or challenging they may seem at first, is truly inspiring. It’s this adaptability that keeps her mind active and vibrant even in her golden years.
So, if you aim to keep learning and growing as you age, don’t resist change. Instead, embrace it and see it as an opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills.
3) Regular reading
Reading is a common habit among lifelong learners. They recognize the power of books to provide insights, broaden perspectives, and stimulate intellectual growth.
Interestingly, a study found that people who read books for as little as 30 minutes a day over several years lived an average of two years longer than those who didn’t read at all. The research suggests that the cognitive engagement of reading could promote longevity.
Whether it’s novels, biographies, self-help books, or scientific journals, these individuals are always on the lookout for new reading materials. They understand that every page turned is an opportunity to learn something new.
So if you want to join the league of lifelong learners, make reading a part of your daily routine. In the vast world of literature, there’s always something new to discover and learn.
4) Embracing failure
Most people dread failure, but lifelong learners in their 60s and beyond see it differently. They view failure not as a dead-end but as an opportunity for growth and learning.
They understand that failure is a natural part of the learning process. When they stumble or make a mistake, they don’t give up. Instead, they reassess, adjust and try again with the knowledge they’ve gained from the experience.
In the face of failure, they ask themselves, “What can I learn from this?” rather than “Why did this happen to me?”. This shift in perspective allows them to extract valuable lessons from their missteps and use them as stepping stones towards their growth.
5) Continuous self-reflection
Lifelong learners in their 60s and beyond often engage in continuous self-reflection. They take time to look inward, assess their experiences, and contemplate their life’s journey.
They don’t just live their life; they learn from it. They see every experience, every interaction, every moment as a chance to reflect and gather insights about themselves and the world around them.
This self-reflection enables them to understand their strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and chart a course for personal growth. It’s a tool for self-discovery, helping them to understand who they are, what they value, and where they want to go.
This introspective practice can be quite emotional at times as it often involves revisiting past experiences, both good and bad. But it’s this heartfelt reflection that enables them to grow emotionally and intellectually.
6) Staying socially active
Building and maintaining social connections is another common trait among lifelong learners. They understand the value of engaging with others, sharing ideas, and learning from different perspectives.
I remember a time in my life when I was feeling stuck, unsure of my next steps. It was a conversation with a close friend that gave me the clarity I needed. His perspective challenged my thinking and helped me see things from a different angle. That conversation was a pivotal learning moment for me.
Being socially active isn’t just about learning from others. It’s also about contributing to their learning journey by sharing your own experiences and insights. It’s a two-way street that enriches both parties involved.
7) Practicing mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness is another behavior commonly displayed by lifelong learners. They understand the power of being present and fully engaged in the moment.
Mindfulness involves paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment in the present moment. It’s about experiencing each moment as it unfolds, without judgment or distraction.
Practicing mindfulness can enhance our ability to learn and grow. It sharpens our focus, improves our ability to absorb information, and helps us approach challenges with a clear and calm mind.
So if you want to keep learning and growing, no matter your age, consider incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine. Whether it’s through meditation, mindful walking, or simply paying more attention to your daily activities, mindfulness can support your journey of lifelong learning.
8) A positive attitude towards learning
At the heart of lifelong learning is a positive attitude. Lifelong learners in their 60s and beyond maintain a genuine love for learning. They see it not as a chore or an obligation, but as an exciting journey of discovery.
They approach every learning opportunity with enthusiasm and an open mind, eager to soak up new knowledge and acquire new skills. They understand that learning is a lifelong process, and they derive immense joy and satisfaction from it.
This positive attitude fuels their motivation to learn and keeps them intellectually active, even in their golden years. It’s what drives them to constantly explore, question, and seek understanding.
So if there’s one thing you should take away from this exploration of lifelong learning behaviors, it’s this: adopt a positive attitude towards learning. See it as a joyful journey of discovery, not as a task to be completed. It’s this mindset that will truly set you on the path to lifelong learning.
