How to Learn Something New Every Day (and Why It Matters)
Lifelong Learning: A Strategic Investment in Your Cognitive Health and Independence
Education doesn’t end when we leave the classroom — nor should it. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning throughout life can pay significant dividends, particularly as we grow older. Research consistently shows that lifelong learning enhances cognitive function, mood, self-confidence, and overall independence.
Importantly, learning doesn’t need to be a grand undertaking. Small, consistent efforts — even daily — can yield meaningful benefits. According to George W. Rebok, Ph.D., professor emeritus at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, integrating simple learning experiences into your routine can improve quality of life and preserve autonomy.
Whether you're looking to acquire a new skill, explore an interest, or take a deeper dive into a long-time hobby, here are seven practical strategies for keeping your mind sharp and engaged:
1. Start with What You Enjoy — Then Push the Boundaries
The best place to begin is with something you already enjoy, but don’t stop there. Rebok advises stepping beyond your comfort zone. If you’re a fan of crossword puzzles, challenge yourself with a more difficult version or switch things up entirely with games like Sudoku or Wordle.
Rebok himself is currently learning shogi — a Japanese strategy game similar to chess — as a way to bond with his son. He’s also taken up pickleball, even with prior tennis experience, highlighting how new rules and techniques engage both mind and body.
And if something feels difficult at first, lean into it. A study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience found that older adults engaging in cognitively demanding activities — like digital photography or quilting — experienced greater cognitive improvements than those in low-challenge environments.
2. Combine Learning with Physical and Social Activity
Learning is even more effective when paired with movement and social engagement. “Stimulating multiple pathways — cognitive, physical, and social — is crucial to staying sharp,” says Rebok.
Consider taking a hike with a friend, and use the opportunity to identify local birds, trees, or plants. It’s a simple way to stay active while learning something new.
3. Learn a New Language
Whether you're picking up a new language or revisiting one you studied years ago, language learning offers strong cognitive benefits. App-based tools and online courses make it easier than ever to fit a short lesson into your daily routine.
Studies in Frontiers in Psychology suggest that language learning enhances memory and recall — key components of brain health. Additionally, acquiring another language opens doors to new cultures, cuisines, and communities, enriching your everyday life.
4. Take on DIY Tasks Around the Home
Routine household issues — a running toilet, a misaligned door, or setting up new tech — present perfect learning opportunities. Rather than calling in help, take the initiative to solve the problem yourself. Platforms like YouTube offer a wealth of how-to content that makes learning these skills accessible and practical.
You may find not only that you’re capable of more than you realized, but also that doing it yourself is both empowering and enjoyable.
5. Build Memory Challenges into Your Day
Rebok often encourages his students to turn everyday moments into memory-building exercises. Reading a book with a friend? Discuss and summarize the key points. Learning a language? Create flashcards to test vocabulary and grammar.
These simple activities reinforce memory through repetition and active recall, which are both critical for long-term cognitive strength.
6. Make Reading a Regular Habit
Reading at least twice a week is linked to slower cognitive decline, according to International Psychogeriatrics. Whether you prefer novels, biographies, or nonfiction, the key is consistency.
Reading can be both a solitary escape and a social activity — something to enjoy at home or in public spaces like libraries or coffee shops. To increase the mental challenge, try switching genres from time to time. If you typically enjoy thrillers, pick up a historical or scientific title instead.
7. Enroll in Classes Designed for Older Adults
Many communities offer specialized classes for seniors — from yoga and tai chi to painting and photography. Rachel Wu, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, recommends checking with local senior centers, which often partner with community organizations to offer affordable learning opportunities.
For those interested in more structured learning, consider the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, which operate on over 100 college campuses across the country and offer non-credit courses tailored for adults aged 50 and up.
Final Thoughts
Lifelong learning isn’t just a pastime — it’s a long-term investment in your well-being, independence, and quality of life. By remaining intellectually curious and open to new experiences, you give yourself the tools to age with resilience and purpose.
So whether you're picking up a new language, exploring a hobby, or tackling a home project, remember: growth doesn’t stop at any age — and neither should learning.