You Are Never Too Old To Learn

I'd like to write my story ......not for publishing, because nobody would read it, but for my children.

Do it crazyH it will amaze you how much you remember and the Internet now has so many resources to help.

Write your story, crazyH- Some of my favorite books are autobiographies-

I joined a choir and because of a wonderful teacher have begun to understand music notation which was previously a mystery to me. This has all been through comments made on the side while we are learning the songs. I love the singing and the feeling of camaraderie but the improvements in my singing voice and memory of the words and tunes proves that it is never too late. You are quite right VisionaryDreamer. I am 72 and have much more to learn!

Hi CrazyH
You never know...you might be pleasantly surprised at the interest for your books. You could also self-publish. Check out Amazon as they have a facility whereby you could self-publish via paperback or e-book. Just believe in yourself and do it.

Grandma2213
That is awesome and thank you for sharing your tibit of wisdom and inspiration. It is sooo good to keep active and pursue things of interest, to live a little bit more, rather than slow down, sit in front of the TV and wait for old age and death. ~There is still so much to get out of life other than work and career. Life is more than just existing.
I hope your singing, choir and learning brings you so much happiness and joy Grandma2213. Bless you!

Although I agree that one is never too old to learn, why is the thread title all in CAPITALS?

It's not all in capitals. It's written like the title of a book.

Which is why I keep expecting a link !

I think Visionary Dreamer is just having a very pleased with herself moment. And why not?

Gonegirl
My intention was to encourage and inspire people who still have dreams to pursue them, that at midlife one is still young, still has a life to live. I hear too often people at midlife believe they are too old to do anything. I had people tell me I am too old to change my career, to old to go back to college, and especially too old to study for a degree, and too old to set up my own business, being told that at my age I should be slowing down.
What I am saying is age should not define anyone..so it is getting past ageism.

Learning how to spell would be a start for some.
The level of literacy is falling dramatically.

I find this thread patronising, don't need to be told ' I can do it'
Is there any need to talk about people's spelling and grammar? Would not say I am perfect but don't need reminding about it.

I think there was a time when everyone quoted that old adage 'you cannot teach an old dog new tricks' in a complacent tone when anyone over 40 tried to do something new, but I am sure that period has long gone.

DS is an academic and he says that many universities run some Masters courses where their target audience is retirees coming back to education after retirement - and that has been happening for over 20 years. Locally there are lots of courses for the over 50s.

The papers are full of stories of older people starting businesses, achieving all kinds of successes.

I think the OP is unfortunate in that she still lives somewhere where these oldfashioned attitudes still prevail, so has every reason to pleased with what she has achieved against the odds. So many congratulations!!

Age is no barrier to learning.
BA hons 1st class at 54, MA at 56, PGCE at 57!

Well done Postgrad.

I agree that you are never too old to learn. However, to just do it ???? it is not that simple.

I divorced at 48 and worked full time as a legal secretary. My son who was in second year uni asked me why I didn’t do a degree course.......

Where to start. Keeping a roof over his head for one, bills and aging parent with Alzheimer’s.

Yep. It’s not always that simple.

On the other hand for those without financial commitments or who have support, or can in some way manage to go for it I applaud you.

Go for it if you can.

I did my degree and PGCE around age 40. Loved every minute of it and the career which came from it. I know I could do far more with my retirement than I am doing but there are reasons/excused why I don't. For one thing I am far too lazy. Thoroughly enjoy doing nothing so that's the excuse part of things. Reasons? Mother aged 88 and Mil aged 94 take a bit of time. Like to see/hang out with my grandchildren when I can. Love time walking with my husband and dog. Where does time go? I wish I knew! Maybe this September I'll start that creative writing course ...or the zumba classes...or research my family tree ...or maybe not. I sincerely wish I was doing more ...but back to original excuse ...I'm far too lazy

I absolutely agree with you! Moreover, we live in a world of new technologies and it’s very easy to get any information, so why not? I am already retired, but nevertheless, I continue to work as a writer. Thanks to this I learn something new every day. Basically, I write brief contents of literary works for an educational site, for example, summarystory.com/a-good-man-is-hard-to-find/, and accordingly, I read a lot. Learning is never too late, yes!|

I absolutely agree with you.

Very true that you're never too old - along with that old saying 'Use it or lose it' (applies to the brain as well as the muscles)!

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.