You’re never too old to learn, right? So now’s the right time to try adult continuing education.

Older adults have a multitude of options to learn and experience more these days. In some cases, you don’t have to leave where you love aging in place. In other cases, you can get out, meet new people, learn in exciting environments and experience new adventures.

Even better, you can find adult continuing education that fits almost any schedule and budget.

Haven’t convinced you to pursue it yet? Then consider this. Researchers found older adults who participate in lifelong learning are:

• more likely to help delay symptoms of Alzheimer’s and keep the mind working longer
• less likely to feel stressed and suffer its consequences
• more likely to boost their overall memory skills, and
• benefitting from increased social interaction and friendship.

What to learn?

The good news about going back to school (or continuing with a love for learning) is you can do it just about anywhere these days – from your dining room table to a community kitchen to a traditional college classroom.

The topics are endless: Are you interested in technology? Business? Music? Pop culture? Science? Mythology?

Opportunities abound: Do you want to pursue a degree? Or just learn something for fun? Do you want to gain new perspective? Or continue practicing a passion?

These are questions you’ll want to sort out before choosing where to go and what to do in pursuit of continuing education.

Where to go?

You can pick up a series of classes from the local library, Chamber of Commerce or community college. You can take lessons in arts from home instructors, retail chains and or art institutes.

Consider some of these options:

• Post-secondary institutions. Most community colleges and local universities offer in-person and online courses for credit and/or for enrichment. Many schools offer tuition assistance or even opportunities to audit courses. What’s even better is taking classes at the school gives you a chance to interact with a younger generation, gain new perspectives – and share yours with them!
• Community centers. Many community centers and other public entities – such as libraries and county parks and recreation departments – offer ongoing classes. For instance, you might find Tai Chi, finance, creative writing and computer skills.
• Online schools. Nearly every post-secondary school offers online classes now. Some institutions are still exclusively online (remember that we used to call them correspondence schools?) The online courses usually allow for more flexibility in when you participate in class.

Most schools, community centers and online education providers offer academic advice on scheduling and paying tuition.

Get the most out of continuing ed

Once you take the time to pinpoint the kind of continuing education you want, enroll and step into the (real or virtual) classroom, you want make sure you get the most out of the course.

These tips will help.

• Play to your strengths. Think about how you learn best. Do you gain the most from reading the material, listening to the teacher, putting your hands on the work, or a combination? Focus on learning that fits your strengths so you truly enjoy it.
• Be enthusiastic. Ask questions. Pose scenarios. Interact with other students so you get a full perspective on the material.
• Stay organized. Figure out how much time the classes and their required work will take so you fit it in with the other things you love to do. Keep your “school supplies” together so you can jump in and out of learning efficiently.
• Eliminate distractions. When it’s time to learn, put aside other things that can grab your attention, such as cell phones and other screens.
• Embrace it. Talk and/or meet with other students to discuss what you’ve learned and how you might apply it.