social
Taking classes and attending educational events creates opportunities to meet new friends, improve interpersonal skills, and become a more interesting conversation partner.
"Those who dedicate themselves to learning and who exhibit curiosity are almost always happier and more socially and professionally engaging than those who don't."
- John Coleman
co-author of Passion & Purpose: Stories from the Best and Brightest Young Business Leaders
emotional
Lifelong learning improves your mental health by reducing stress, increasing happiness, and bolstering resilience in the face of change. Not only that but growing in knowledge brings a deep and lasting sense of fulfillment and purpose.
"Your mind is really like a muscle, and using it is a key' to lifelong mental health."
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​- Lisa Berkman
professor of public policy and epidemiology at Harvard University
physical
An investment in lifelong learning is an investment in your health. Numerous studies show that as your education increases, your likelihood of developing common chronic diseases decreases. In fact, lifelong learners have longer lifespans.
"I think most social scientists would put their money on education as the most important factor in ensuring longer lives."
- Laura Carstensen,
psychologist and director of the Stanford Center on Longevity
economical
Continual learning and personal growth translate to career advancement and innovation. In a rapidly changing world, equipping yourself with a broad range of knowledge will give you a competitive edge.
"My own research, which involves interviews with hundreds of individuals who've achieved stature, influence and significant contributions within their fields, reveals that they all share a deep commitment to, respect for and prioritization of ongoing learning in their lives."
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​- Julie Winkle Giulioni,
writer for The Economist
by Marjan Laal
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The Impact of Sustained Engagement on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: The Synapse Project
by Denise C. Park, Jennifer
Lodi-Smith, Linda Drew, Sara
Haber, Andrew Hebrank, Gérard N.
Bischof, Whitley Aamodt
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Lifelong Learning Is Good for Your Health Your Wallet, and Your Social Life
by John Coleman
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Why Learning Leads to Happiness
by Philip Moeller
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A Busy Brain Is a Healthy Brain
by Greg Miller
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Education and Health: Evaluating Theories and Evidence
by David M. Cutler,
Adriana Lleras-Muney
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Learn-gevity: Enhancing Your Ability to Learn, Perform and Succeed Over Time
by Julie Winkle Giulion
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Cognitive Activity Relates to Cognitive Performance but Not to Alzheimer Disease Biomarkers
by Christopher M. Gidicsin, Jacqueline E. Maye, Joseph J. Locascio, Lesley C. Pepin, Marlie Philiossaint, J. Alex Becker, Alayna P.
Younger, Maria Dekhtyar, Aaron P. Schultz, Rebecca E. Amariglio, Gad A. Marshall, Dorene M. Rentz, Trey Hedden, Reisa A. Sperling, Keith A. Johnson