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Benefits of lifelong learning: why studying shouldn’t stop at school

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Marshall Thurlow
Benefits of lifelong learning: why studying shouldn’t stop at school

There’s always something new to learn. Aristotle famously wrote, "The more you know, the more you realise you don't know."

Lifelong learning, as the term suggests, is the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and skill development throughout one's life. It involves a continuous process of acquiring and applying new knowledge, skills, and attitudes that enhance personal growth, professional development, and overall well-being. 

The benefits of lifelong study are numerous and far-reaching, impacting individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

In this article I share my views on the benefits of lifelong learning and provide facts and figures to support this.


Personal growth and development

Lifelong study promotes personal growth and development. Learning new things keeps the mind active and engaged, leading to greater creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. 

It enhances your ability to adapt to change and develop a more positive outlook on life. 

According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), individuals who engage in lifelong learning have higher levels of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction. They also have a greater sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.


Career advancement

Lifelong study contributes to career advancement and employability. In today's rapidly changing job market, continuous learning is essential for career growth and success. 

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, 54% of employees will require significant re-skilling and up-skilling by 2022 to remain competitive in their jobs.

Lifelong learning provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to changing work environments, develop new skills, and stay relevant in their careers. 

For example, if you want to become a property lawyer, you’ll have to study property law. If you want to become a chiropractor, you’ll have to study for a Masters of Chiropractic. 

A study by the American Association of Community Colleges found that 85% of employers believe that employees who engage in lifelong learning are more valuable to their companies.

For example, certain careers require that you undertake compulsory professional development, also known as CPD, to stay registered or licensed in a certain profession. Examples of professions that require this include:

Healthcare professions, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists

Legal professions, such as lawyers and paralegals

Accounting and finance professions, such as accountants and financial planners

Engineering professions, such as civil engineers and mechanical engineers

Education professions, such as teachers and school administrators

Human resources and management professions, such as HR managers and business consultants

Information technology professions, such as software developers and network engineers.

In many cases, professional associations or regulatory bodies will set CPD requirements for their members, and practitioners may need to meet certain CPD requirements in order to maintain their professional status or licensure.

It may be mandated, but this is one way to ensure lifelong learning!


Learning for social inclusion

Lifelong study benefits society as a whole. It promotes social inclusion and helps to reduce social inequality by providing individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to participate fully in society.

It also contributes to economic growth and development by creating a more skilled and adaptable workforce. 

According to a report by the OECD, countries that invest in lifelong learning have higher levels of economic growth and productivity than those that do not. 

So, do it for your country!


Learning for ongoing cognitive development

You may have heard that keeping your brain active is a good thing. Well, recent research published by Harvard University has found that learning a new skill can slow cognitive ageing. 

Specifically, learning keeps brain cells working at optimum levels, which may slow cognitive and memory decline as we age.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that older adults who engaged in intellectually stimulating activities such as reading, playing games, or playing a musical instrument had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia than those who did not engage in such activities. 

Another study published in the journal Neurology found that older adults who engaged in lifelong learning activities had higher cognitive test scores and were less likely to develop cognitive impairment over time.


Barriers to education

Despite the benefits of lifelong learning, many people face barriers to participation. These barriers can include financial constraints, lack of time, and limited access to education and training opportunities. 

To overcome these barriers, governments, employers, and educational institutions must work together to provide affordable and accessible learning opportunities for all.

Governments can support lifelong learning by investing in education and training programs, providing financial incentives for individuals to pursue learning opportunities, and creating policies that promote access to education and training. 

Employers can support lifelong learning by providing training and development opportunities for their employees, offering flexible work arrangements that allow employees to pursue learning opportunities, and recognizing and rewarding employees who engage in lifelong learning. 

It may be as easy as enrolling your team members in short courses related to their employment. These short courses are great as they generally have a low barrier to entry, can be completed online, and your team members will appreciate the offer of continuing education and upskilling.


Examples of great courses to keep studying

Here are some great examples of different types of courses you can study at any point in your life.

Language classes: Learning a new language can be a great way to expand one's horizons and communicate with people from different cultures. Language classes can be taken at community colleges, language schools, or online.

Personal enrichment classes: Lifelong learning can also be a way to pursue personal interests and hobbies. Classes in art, music, dance, cooking, and other areas can provide opportunities for creativity and personal growth.

Technology courses: Technology is constantly changing, and taking courses in areas such as coding, digital marketing, or website development can help individuals stay up to date and enhance their digital literacy.

Community education programs: Many community organisations offer adult education programs, including classes in writing, history, philosophy, and other subjects. These programs can provide opportunities for intellectual stimulation and social interaction.


So, what will you be studying?

Lifelong study offers numerous benefits to individuals, communities, and society as a whole. It promotes personal growth and development, contributes to career advancement and employability, and benefits society by creating a more skilled and adaptable workforce. 

By investing in lifelong learning, we can create a more inclusive, prosperous, and resilient society for all.

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Marshall Thurlow
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