by Nadia Ramoutar,  MMM Communications Coordinator                Ireland         29.08.2026

It was always an exciting time for me as a child. The summer would start to wind down, August would arrive and with it new pencils, and other school supplies. I was that kind of geeky child (and adult) who loved new writing tools and notebooks to head back to learn something new. But as adults our attitude to learning something new is often less notable.

The reality is though that there are huge benefits to us all committing to be lifelong learners. In recent times, we have learned that our brain is capable of neuroplasticity which refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt through life by modifying its structure, functions or neural pathways according to the Harvard Review.

As adults spending our time learning a new skill, solving a puzzle or getting new information can be a huge benefit to us in several meaningful ways. Using our brain keeps it sharp and helps support memory as we learn. It boosts our health too in encouraging us to be more adaptable and resilient. Along with cognitive development benefits there are social and person ones too. Being a lifelong learner gives us more pride and confidence in ourselves too.

Being a lifelong learner also prevents us from becoming dull. Now who doesn’t want that? If there is something we wanted to learn to do we should not limit ourselves from learning because of age. It makes sense that as we feel better about ourselves and we have more interest in our life then other people also have more interest in us too. It’s partly our job to stay interesting as we age.

There is just so much to learn in our world. The beauty of technology too is that learning anything is just a few clicks away. Courses, videos, podcasts are all just there and you can find anything at all that you might be interested in knowing. One of my go to favourites though is still books. I love to delve into a book and explore something new. Going to a new place is a wonderful exploration too. A library, a gallery, a museum or a park or even forest can be a teaching moment too.

Many years ago, I pledged to learn something new every day. I hope to continue to do so for the rest of my life. Is there something more you could do to invest in your cognitive wellbeing? The science backs up that the effort is most definitely worth the effort. And you my friend, are also worth it. So sharpen your pencil and let’s go back to school! The school of life is the greatest teacher of all.