Learning a new skill or craft can also bring immense benefits to retirees. - Pexels
We know that everyone retires at some point, but when it happens to us, it’s still a shock.
If you’ve been working from home or were a fulltime homemaker or carer, the transition can be slower and less painful. But if you go from traditional employment to retirement, the change is a steep one.
As the world population ages, interest in happy retirement has increased. In recent years, the focus has included the effect of lifelong learning.
What the science says
There are dozens of large studies that evaluate the effect of exercise, dance, art, and other classes for the elderly.
One of these was published in 2024 by Dr Zheng Fang and Dr Nicholas Sim at the Singapore University of Social Sciences who surveyed 300 citizens aged 65 and above. The classes ranged from cultural training, singing, dancing, music, exercise, and other courses offered by libraries, schools, gyms, sports clubs, museums, and more.
Researchers examined three markers: Quality of life, satisfaction with life, and psychological wellbeing. Results showed that interest in learning was associated with quality of life. Therefore, mindset may be an important step towards a golden retirement.
Those who actively participated in classes reported higher quality of life, satisfaction with life, and psychological wellbeing. Further analysis showed that gender, marital and parental status are not factors. Even more cheerfully, disability and mobility issues had only a small impact. What is important is having good family relationships.
However, researchers noted that a high level of education may be linked to less satisfaction in retirement.
While the study did not delve into this, a common-sense observation is that the activities themselves may be the issue.
Beyond crafts and cardio
When you’ve spent your working life devoted to intellectual challenges and strategic thinking, art and exercise can help you explore new sides of your identity.
However, the flip side is that it may not fit your interests.
While universities and schools focus on the young, elder access is now more common. Typically, retirees “audit” courses, meaning they take part as students but do not take the exams. This allows lifelong learning while not adding undue burden to the education system.
But does intellectual stimulation bestow mental health benefits?
A 2016 study led by Dr Miya Narushima at Brock University, Canada, evaluated the experiences of 416 adults aged 60+ auditing various courses that included language and computer classes.
Although the study did not separate outcomes by course type, they found that those studying 49+ months had significantly better mental health. Even the participants with vulnerabilities such as chronic illness, social isolation or less formal education benefitted.
It appears that studying is a compensatory strategy that boosts the mind and spirit, allowing us to live more independently and enjoy our lives more.
Choosing your learning path
Malaysia is invested in lifelong learning, so there are formal and informal options.
University of the Third Age (U3A) offers programmes for retirees, most of which are arts and cardio but there are also digital skills and religious subjects.
Courses are a mix of in real life and online. Suggestion: If you live rurally or have mobility issues, get a group together in your home and take classes as a group.
Signing up is straightforward and there is help available through WhatsApp.
To find courses, either visit https://u3aklsel.wixsite.com/malaysia or google University of the Third Age (U3A) Malaysia
Open University Malaysia (OUM) offers computer, business, education, science, humanities and other subjects from diploma to PhD level.
It has a flexible entry programme that counts working experience for admission. So if you have a degree in art but had a career in finance, you can take an MBA or related Masters.
The university has campuses but also offers courses online. Suggestion: network with local friends to attend together.
Fees are marked clearly on the website. Of the dozen courses checked at publication, each included a 50% discount for senior citizens aged 60 and up.
Many Malaysian Universities are open to retirees attending lectures. Typically there is a discounted fee and you don’t get to sit exams but processes vary so check their website and speak to the admissions office for details.
If you’re at home and like to learn online, the world is your oyster. LinkedIn Learning features industry experts teaching their insights over business, creative, and technology subjects and offers certifications too. There’s a month’s free trial so you can check it out before committing.
Coursera works with universities, and is effectively one of the biggest learning portals in terms of subject. Some courses are free, and some allow you to audit courses for free as long as you’re okay with not having work marked and not taking exams.
Whether it’s painting, Spanish, or coding, now is the time to get stuck in. Lifelong learning is great for your head, heart, happiness, and social calendar.
Ellen Whyte is a British-registered counsellor and psychotherapist who has a soft spot for cats. She founded an online practice in 2016, and works with clients in 20+ countries. Email ellen.whyte@gmail.com
