Growth. Curiosity. Exploring what’s beyond the horizon. Learning is one of the great joys of life at any age – and, experts say, it’s closely linked to successful aging.
So is curiosity itself. A skill that psychologists call “openness to experience” – asking questions, thinking imaginatively, exploring new ideas, and having interests that span a broad variety of topics – is associated with better brain health, and can fuel stronger and happier relationships.
“Open people engage with the various percepts, patterns and perspectives that clamor for space in our mind – information is like catnip for their brain,” writes Luke Smillie, psychology professor at the University of Melbourne, for Scientific American. “[They] tend to be intellectually curious, creative, and imaginative.”
And like any skill, openness grows stronger with practice. When you get a new book from the library, watch a documentary, turn on the news, enroll in an online course, or discuss current events, you’re cultivating your curiosity – and become a more motivated and effective learner.
In today’s world, it often takes only a moment to satisfy curiosity, and most questions can be answered with a quick search online. However, researchers say that traditional learning in a group setting may make it easier to absorb and retain information. As one 2022 article puts it: “Learning from others is good; learning with others is better.”
The Mayflower is home to a wide array of lifelong learning classes: painting, current events, foreign language and technology, to name just a handful. We’ve also welcomed guest speakers from community organizations like Rollins College, the Orlando Museum of Art, Opera Orlando, and Orlando Health to share their insights.
And this fall, we’re expanding on our expert-led curricula even further through a partnership with the Winter Park Lifelong Learning Foundation (WPLLF) that will bring a diverse array of classes to our community, for residents and non-residents alike.
A not-for-profit organization, WPLLF is dedicated to empowering learning for all generations – through short, informative seminars on topics ranging from cybersecurity and finance to the Paris Olympics. All registration fees for classes are donated to local community colleges, where they fund sponsorships for students in financial need.
Signing Up for Courses: WPLLF is offering six different single-session courses at The Mayflower for the Fall 2024 season on October 8, 15, and 22; and November 7, 14, and 21. To browse upcoming courses or register, go to https://winterparklifelong.org/ and complete the seven-step online form.
When you live at The Mayflower, you’re never far from opportunities to grow – and you’re always free to do more of what you love, at your own pace. To learn more about what a Life Plan can do for you, call 407.672.1620 or get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!