Senior adults are busy taking classes online just like their younger counterparts. They may be trying to complete a degree they never had a chance to finish, advance their credentials, or indulge in their favorite hobbies. It can feel awkward when you’re the oldest student in the class, and that’s why online learning sites have become popular among older people to promote lifelong learning.
Today’s technology makes it easy to take virtual classes where students can participate in the comfort of their own homes.
Learning online can be life-changing
People over 50 may have worked the same job all their lives, or dream of doing things they never got a chance to do. Online learning allows them to learn new skills and open up new and stimulating possibilities. By setting a personal timeline for their educational journey, they can gradually explore interests.
It doesn’t matter if you are into technology, gardening, the creative arts, or anything else. Online classes will stimulate and improve your cognitive skills, and bring you joy. You’ll also make new social connections and connect with mentors who will help make your goals come to life.
If you desire to upgrade your education or learn something new to stimulate your brain, you may enjoy the online learning sites listed below.
1. Coursera
Coursera is an online learning site that teaches over 40 million online learners from all over the world. Classes are taught by teachers from universities such as Yale, Stanford, and Duke, as well as high-tech companies like Google and IBM.
Students can purchase a course certificate that provides identity verification and official recognition from the school offering the course. Specialization and professional certificates are available and are in demand. Subjects include data science, business, digital marketing, and software creation.
Coursera offers 3,900 courses and specializations, 13 + certificates, and 20 + degrees and master certificates.
Find classes at Coursera, here.
2. Masterclass
Can you imagine taking a photography class from Annie Leibovitz or learning to direct with Ron Howard? Masterclass offers online classes by some of the world’s greatest minds. How about a cooking class from Gordon Ramsay, screenwriting by Aaron Sorkin, or How to be a Comedian with Steve Martin? This is the caliber of life-long learning classes that are offered.
The best deal is to purchase their unlimited-access pass. It also makes an amazing gift for someone you love.
Masterclass has been recommended by Today, NBC The New York Times, Billboard, ESPN, and Vanity Fair. Other classes include makeup by Bobbie Brown, creative writing with Margaret Atwood, and self-expression and authenticity by Ru Paul.
Find classes at MasterClass, here.
3. Skillshare
Skillshare is a learning community for creative creators. It has thousands of online classes to choose from and you can even teach a class on the site. Courses include a range of subjects such as cooking, arts, and crafts, creative writing, photography, music, film and video production, graphic design, and much more. As a member, you will get unlimited access to all classes and can watch them at your convenience. It is an excellent site for those who embrace life-long learning.
Find classes at Skillshare, here.
4. Babble
Many seniors believe that it’s too late to learn a language. However, Babbel is a language-learning smartphone app that makes learning a new language easy at any age. It employs state-of-the-art technology that goes anywhere you are using your smartphone.
App users learn practical dialogues so they can quickly have conversations and it employs cognitive techniques to make it easier to retain what has been learned.
5. Encore University
If you love to sing, Encore University offers a multidisciplinary online arts enrichment program for seniors. Students can join its chorale or rock program. Sentimental Journey Singers is a choir for those with early Alzheimer’s or memory impairment.
The school offers online and in-person university classes, summer camps, winter retreats, and travel abroad programs. Encore is committed to providing an excellent and accessible arts education program for seniors regardless of ability or experience.
Start singing with Encore University, here.
6. AARP Senior Planet
AARP offers online and in-person classes for people over 60. Start with a morning stretch, learn how to write songs, and take online classes in finance, wellness, computers, technology book discussions, and more.
Other fun ways to learn something new
I have taken tours of my hometown and surrounding neighborhood to learn about the history, architecture, and intriguing characters from the past. Some of these tours can be taken virtually and are a good way to learn about a location before you visit. Check with the location’s tourist board or Get Your Guide for local tour operators.
There are classes online for almost every interest. Learn how to knit, collect stamps, scrapbook, play chess, improve your tech skills, garden, become an actor, paint, or write. The opportunities are endless.
Learn how to stay fit and healthy
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to stay fit. Many online exercise programs can be taken from home so you do not have to travel to a gym. I have listed my favorite fitness classes here.
Get your questions answered
Sometimes an online class will solve a specific problem. Are you hopeless at carving a turkey, making a French braid, or giving yourself a manicure? Google the topic you want to know about and find out how to solve it. Classes and how-tos on YouTube are free. I can’t tell you all the valuable information I learn there daily.
Shake up your routine
We tend to get stuck in our habits. If we get bored, we automatically turn on the TV but online classes can enrich our lives tremendously. Learning new things helps seniors maintain their cognitive function. Mix it up and be open to new experiences. Meet and learn with others who share your mindset. You never know where it will take you.
If money is an issue but you want to further your education as a senior, scholarships may be available.
Check out GrantsforSeniors.org
Have you been on any online learning sites you enjoy? Please leave a comment below.
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The movie sounds like a female version of the ’80s Rodney Dangerfield movie “Back to School” which, if I recall correctly, was pretty funny. Anyway, as a volunteer instructor at our local Center for Learning in Retirement, I wholly support lifelong learning . . . in fact, taking a history course is in part what inspired me to follow the Oregon Trail this summer.
That’s so cool, Tom and I am enjoying all the pictures. Funny you should mention “Back to School” because the guy I live with was the camera operator on that film. LOL
I agree with what you say about advancing your learning! Studying a new skill like playing the piano or sewing or auditing a course at a college is just invigorating. 3 years ago I took an accelerated course that gave me more letters after my name. It was truly the hardest thing I have done in years. I did it for me, to expand my mind and gain more insight into a field I enjoy but not for employment. That is difficult for some to understand. The commitment of time and money’ just because’ is a luxury of our age that I recommend!
That’s so wonderful that you did that, Haralee. I know it can be time-consuming and expensive but it pays off in the end and keeps your brain stimulated. I learn new things every day. When we stop it’s all over, in my opinion.
This is funny. I had a post ready to go today with educational opportunities but pushed it out when I realized it was Memorial Day. In reading yours though I don’t think we have any of the same on our posts. Isn’t it great that there are so many ways we can continue educating ourselves no matter what our age is?
It is great, Jennifer. There are so many options to learn in so many different topics and you’re never too old.
I adore that you reference current movies to launch musings about how to keep going and growing in our great ‘golden years’ A unique take!
Thanks, P.J. Movies are such a part of our lives and I’ve been seeing a bunch, lately.
I am so with you! My husband and I both love taking classes and learning new things. I think it’s so important in helping keep you feeling young!
I agree, Lois. It’s important to make the time because not only will you learn but you may make great connections as well.
I hae to admit that the majority of my “learning” is learning required by my job – keeping up with industry trends, new software, and now, how to help my employer (in an industry that can be hit hard if a hacker gets hold of our data) stay safe (and it helps me learn to stay safe at home, too). Post retirement, though, I will be looking forward to lifelong learning.
That’s great, Alana and all those skills you are learning now come in handy when you are looking for post-retirement income or projects later on.
I’m planning on starting an online writing course at some stage in the not too distant future Rebecca – because my brain needs to be stimulated every now and then – I get too complacent if I don’t try something new occasionally!
That’s a wonderful idea, Leanne. Taking a writing class has made a difference for me. I had to go back to some of my old posts and fix a few things afterward.
Thank you for compiling this list that is so important for all baby boomers. It’s particularly helpful for me because I’ve been thinking about taking an online course in writing, although I would like to go to a class since working from home is a lonely profession!
Thanks Rebecca for this wonderful article. Great job!
Future Learn is another on-line provider. They have classes from many different universities and it is free though there is an option to upgrade for continuing access which I don’t do!
Thanks for the tip, Michele. It looks like a great site to check out as well. I’m going to check into it.