What is lifelong learning, and why does it matter?

Picture this: You’ve finished your time in formal education. 

That’s it! The assignments, tests, and learning stop, right? 

Wrong. 

Chances are, you still learn something new every single day. While you might not have to study this new information for a final exam, the journey of learning still continues. For life.

Lifelong learning is the cornerstone of personal and professional growth. It's about embracing curiosity, seeking new knowledge, and adapting to the ever-evolving world around us. Just as each day presents an opportunity to learn, it also offers a chance to apply that knowledge, refine your skills, and discover unexpected passions. And if you’re curious to learn more about what it means to be a lifelong learner, its importance, and how to embrace becoming one, keep reading.

The forever brain test: What it means to be a lifelong learner

Lifelong learning is the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional growth. It emphasizes the importance of active engagement in learning new skills and acquiring knowledge throughout your entire life.

The principles of lifelong learning include the following:

• Self-motivation: The driving force behind lifelong learning is your motivation to seek out new experiences and knowledge for personal or professional development.
• Flexibility: Lifelong learners adapt to different learning environments and methods, recognizing that learning can take place in various contexts outside of formal education.
• Continuous improvement: Lifelong learners embrace the idea that there is always room for growth and improvement, striving to better themselves consistently.
• Collaborative learning: Lifelong learning often involves connecting with others to share ideas, experiences, and knowledge, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
• Resilience: Lifelong learners are resilient in the face of setbacks and challenges, recognizing that failure can provide valuable lessons for future growth.

Lifelong learning encompasses a broader range of experiences and settings that are different from what you traditionally think of in terms of education. For example, lifelong learning can include each of these:

• Informal learning experiences: Lifelong learners engage in informal learning activities such as attending workshops, reading books or articles, participating in online forums, or engaging in hands-on projects.
• Social and collaborative learning: Lifelong learners often learn from their peers by participating in group discussions, mentorship programs, or collaborating on projects.
• Self-directed learning: Unlike traditional education, which follows a set curriculum, lifelong learners take charge by setting goals and seeking out resources that suit their needs and interests.

The importance of lifelong learning

The importance of lifelong learning cannot be overstated. That’s because lifelong learning offers many benefits that extend beyond personal fulfillment and professional growth, spanning individual, professional, and even societal levels:

• Cultural awareness: Lifelong learning promotes openness to new ideas and understanding of diverse cultures, fostering inclusivity and tolerance in society.
• Innovation and problem-solving: Lifelong learners develop skills in critical thinking and creativity, enabling them to identify novel solutions to challenges in various domains.
• Active citizenship: By continually expanding their knowledge, lifelong learners can make informed decisions, participate in civic activities, and contribute positively to their communities.

What’s more, engaging in lifelong learning has a profound impact on these aspects of your cognitive health and mental agility:

• Neuroplasticity: Continuous learning stimulates the brain, promoting the formation of new neural connections and strengthening existing ones. This enhances cognitive flexibility and adaptability.
• Memory enhancement: Lifelong learning helps improve both short-term and long-term memory by challenging the brain with new information and experiences.
• Reduced risk of cognitive decline: Staying mentally active through learning has been linked to a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Strategies to foster lifelong learning

So, are you ready to develop your lifelong learning mindset? 

Here are a few various strategies that you can implement as soon as today that’ll encourage continuous growth and curiosity: 

• Embracing curiosity: Asking questions, exploring new topics, and seeking diverse perspectives can help fuel your desire for knowledge and personal growth.
• Setting goals: Identifying your specific learning objectives and creating a plan to achieve them can support a more structured approach to lifelong learning.
• Tracking progress: Documenting your achievements and reflecting on learned experiences can provide valuable insights into personal development and inspire further learning.

And as you’re working through the strategies, it’s important to stay curious, receptive to new ideas, and resilient—because it’s easy to lose momentum in an unstructured learning environment. 

So now that you know about a few strategies and how to approach them, here are a few practical ways to start incorporating lifelong learning into your daily routine: 

• Reading: Dedicate a small window of time each day to read books, articles, or blog posts related to your personal or professional interests.
• Podcasts: Listen to podcasts on various subjects during commutes, workouts, or leisure time to expand knowledge and gain new insights.
• Online Courses: Enroll in online courses or webinars to acquire new skills or deepen your understanding of specific topics.
• Networking: Attend meetups, workshops, or conferences to connect with like-minded individuals to share ideas and learn from others' experiences.
• Volunteering: Participate in community service or volunteer work to gain practical experience and learn more about societal challenges and needs.

Lifelong learning in the digital age

Step aside, big, bulky textbooks. The digital age has completely transformed the way you can approach your pursuit of lifelong learning in terms of the following: 

• Accessibility: The internet and mobile apps have made it possible for you to access a vast array of learning materials anytime, anywhere, removing geographical or time constraints.
• Affordability: Many online courses, webinars, and educational resources are available for free or at a lower cost compared to traditional educational offerings, making them much more affordable.
• Variety: Digital tools provide a diverse range of learning opportunities across various subjects and skill levels, allowing you to explore multiple areas of interest.

Plus, with just an internet connection, you can have access to a wide variety of continuous learning opportunities:

• On-demand learning: Mobile apps provide instant access to educational content, enabling learners to engage with materials at their own pace and according to their preferred schedules.
• Mobile learning: Smartphones and tablets allow learners to access courses, articles, podcasts, brain training apps, and other resources while on the go, facilitating continuous learning in various contexts. (Like in a waiting room, for example.)
• Community building: Social media platforms and online forums enable learners to connect with others who share their interests, exchange ideas, and participate in discussions or collaborative projects.

How cool—and easy—is that?

Examples of lifelong learning in real-world contexts

Lifelong learning plays a significant role in various sectors, from business, to education, to even personal development. It’s so impactful because it holds the potential to transform both your personal and professional lives.

Just think about Warren Buffet and Oprah Winfrey, for example. Warren Buffett is a billionaire investor known for his voracious reading habit, dedicating several hours each day to learning about industries, companies, and global trends. His commitment to continuous learning has contributed to his exceptional investment success. And Oprah Winfrey, a media mogul, has an innate passion for learning that has guided her through various roles, including talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist. Her dedication to personal growth has inspired millions worldwide.

Lifelong learning looks different for everyone. But here are some specific examples of how lifelong learning can manifest in various aspects of life:

Professional development

If you’re working in digital marketing, for example, you might want to continually update your skills to stay current with new tools, platforms, or strategies. This could involve attending workshops, online courses, or industry conferences to keep abreast of the latest trends.

Acquiring new skills

Let’s say you decide to learn a new language or play a musical instrument in your spare time. This pursuit would not only enrich your personal life, but it would also engage your cognitive abilities and foster a learning habit.

Health and wellness

Lifelong learning can involve adopting healthier habits or learning more about nutrition and fitness. If that’s something that interests you, perhaps you’d commit to learning a new healthy recipe each week or learning about different types of workout routines.

Social issues and awareness

Lifelong learning can also involve educating yourself about social issues or causes. This might involve reading books, watching documentaries, attending lectures, or participating in discussions about topics such as climate change, social justice, or global politics.

Parenting

Becoming a parent involves a great deal of lifelong learning, from understanding developmental milestones to learning how to manage challenging behaviors. If you’re a parent or would like to be one someday, you might attend parenting classes, read books on child development, or participate in online forums for advice and support.

Career transition

If you’re looking to change careers, lifelong learning might involve going back to school, taking an online certification course, attending networking events, or job shadowing in your desired industry to learn more about potential roles and responsibilities.

Start embracing lifelong learning today

Embracing lifelong learning is, well, a lifelong commitment. But it can yield consistently positive benefits for both your personal and professional growth. By adopting a curious, open, and resilient mindset, you can unlock a world of learning opportunities that can enrich your life and help you stay ahead in today's fast-paced world.

An easy first step toward lifelong learning is to download a brain training resource like the Elevate app. Brain training is a valuable cognitive enhancement tool that can improve your overall mental performance, both of which can help you keep your brain sharp and ready to learn.

And with more than 40 games spread across reading, writing, speaking, memory, and math skill groups, the Elevate app provides a fun, effective, and easy way to make lifelong learning a quick and easy part of your daily routine.

Download Elevate now, and start your lifelong learning journey today!