Overcoming the Barrier to Learning New Subjects as You Age

As the years progress, many people start to believe that it's harder to learn new subjects. However, this perception often stems from a misconception about the relationship between age and learning ability. In reality, age is merely a variable, not a determinant of one's capacity to learn. The real culprit is often the decision to stop learning, which can be a conscious or unconscious choice.

Why Older People Struggle with New Learning

Contrary to popular belief, it's not the declining physical or cognitive functions that make learning more challenging for older adults. Rather, it's the relentless slowing down of the learning process as adulthood sets in and extraneous factors such as work commitments and life responsibilities come into play.

From birth, humans are in a constant state of learning. From the moment we are born, our brains are absorbing information and adapting to the world around us. Parents, educators, and the environment around us play significant roles in this developmental process. As children, we are naturally curious and continuously exploring our surroundings to understand and interact with the world.

The educational journey continues into formal schooling, where we not only learn academic subjects like mathematics, science, and languages, but also the intricacies of social interactions, making friends, and handling various life situations. After formal education, many individuals jump into the workforce, where the focus shifts to job-specific knowledge and professional competencies. Despite this, learning is a lifelong process, and once individuals have attained a certain level of expertise in their field, they often face a choice: continue to learn or settle into a state of complacency and stagnation.

The Power of Neuroplasticity

One of the greatest advantages of our brains is their adaptability, known as neuroplasticity. Throughout our lives, our brains are capable of rewiring themselves, adjusting to new information and experiences, and even forming new neural connections. This allows us to learn and adapt to new situations, providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

For me, who is almost 60 years old, maintaining this neuroplasticity has been key to my ability to engage in a wide range of new learning activities. Learning a programming language like BASIC may not be a necessity, but staying updated with current technologies such as JavaScript frameworks and Flutter keeps my skills relevant and fresh. My enthusiasm extends beyond just programming; I am also deeply interested in artificial intelligence, Blender, combinatorics, and number theory, even though I was never a math major. This reflects a commitment to continuous learning, which is as important in old age as it is in youth.

The Role of Crystalized Knowledge

Despite the challenges, many older people develop a significant amount of crystalized knowledge, which refers to the stored information and skills gained over a lifetime. While this wealth of knowledge is invaluable, it can sometimes create a barrier if the individual fails to engage in further learning. Crystalized knowledge can be overwhelming, especially if it is not regularly updated and integrated with new information. This can lead to a sense of stagnation, where individuals find it increasingly difficult to learn new things due to the sheer volume and complexity of the existing knowledge they possess.

Encouraging Lifelong Learning

The path to overcoming these barriers lies in maintaining an open mind and a willingness to continue learning. Here are a few strategies to help older individuals navigate the challenges:

Set realistic expectations: Acknowledge that learning new things will take more time and effort, especially compared to younger counterparts. Be patient and persistent. Relate to personal interests: Find ways to connect new learning topics with your interests and passions. This can make the process more engaging and enjoyable. Create a routine: Incorporate learning into your daily or weekly schedule. Consistency is key in maintaining momentum and building new skills. Maintain a curious mindset: Embrace a "never too old to learn" attitude. Curiosity drives discovery and keeps the learning experience exciting.

Conclusion

Aging does not inherently limit our ability to learn new subjects. Instead, it requires conscious effort to remain open to new information and experiences. By harnessing neuroplasticity and staying engaged with the world, older adults can continue to grow and learn, enriching both their personal and professional lives. With dedication and a positive mindset, we can all overcome the barriers and continue to lead fulfilling, intellectually vibrant lives beyond our prime.