Yes, I Can! Earn a New Degree!

People can and do learn things later in life

I Can Earn a New Degree!

Who: Deborah German, 71, Allentown

What she did: Four years ago, German started a master’s degree in theological study from Moravian Theological Seminary. She’s on-track to complete it this spring, and hopes to volunteer and teach at area churches. A retired social worker, she earned earlier degrees while working full-time and caring for five children.

Hurdle: “Doing all the research is stressful because my memory is sluggish at times. A half-hour of swimming or walking restores me.”

Going for it: “Too often, people believe the myth that being elderly means illness. It doesn’t have to! If you stay active and healthy, you can do the things you want to.”

Reward: “Retirement has given me the hours and freedom to be immersed in theology, one of my passions.”

Talk to a vigorous older person and you’re likely to hear about a new language she’s learning, or a first-time scuba adventure. Despite their age and a few aches, dynamic older adults always seem ready to tackle a good challenge.

More and more, researchers on aging are discovering that people who have a positive view of growing older and see life as a series of challenges tend to live longer and better. “People who age in a healthful way are people who are curious, active and still learning,” says social worker Thomas Miller of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

Start taking on some challenges of your own and you’ll be rewarded with a better attitude, a fitter body and a more nimble mind. Here’s how:

Assess your capabilities. “Studies show that people don’t really lose their memory as they age. What they lose is the ability to learn many new things quickly and recall things at will,” says Miller’s colleague, geriatrician Catherine Glew, M.D. As you get older, it does require more effort to memorize that Spanish language lesson or learn to play the cello. But don’t let that stop you. What you lack in mental agility, you can make up for in patience, perspective and humor.

Pick the right challenge. What physical activities are doable? Consider gentler options and experiment until you find the right fit. “If you were a really good tennis player but your knees can’t take it anymore, try something less strenuous, like golf,” Glew says. “The point is that at this stage of life, you should be doing things for their pure enjoyment.”

Overcome your fears. If you think you’re “too old” to run for local office or worry about being the only granny in the tango class, remember that a little embarrassment is a small price to pay for accomplishing something and meeting interesting people. If you’ve always been shy, you may have to work a little harder, but try to overcome your reluctance. Studies show that having a wide range of social connections helps ward off depression and mental decline.

Reframe your life. Once you retire or lose a spouse, your life often changes dramatically. To avoid becoming isolated, it’s more important than ever to take action. “It’s really a matter of reframing your life in a meaningful and positive way,” Miller says. “Find things that interest you and start over again. That’s what it boils down to.”

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