By Peggy Sue McRae,

Journal contributor.

It is a common notion that most adult’s ability to think and learn slows down after middle age taking a deeper dive after about 60. However, a recent study reported on in last month’s Scientific American suggests that it might be more a matter of keeping in practice.

When school children have been out of school for the long summer break they often need some time to readjust to doing schoolwork. Psychology professors and authors of the article To Stay Sharp as You Age, Learn New Skills, Rachel Wu and Jessica A. Church, suggest that keeping in practice can keep learning skills sharp.

In the study adults age 58-86 took 3 classes a week to learn a new skill, things like singing, drawing, iPad use, photography, or Spanish. Their cognitive tests including attention and working memory abilities improved so much that they resembled the scores of adults 30 years younger! What is more they continued to improve long after the classes were over.

Whatever your interests there is bound to be a class for you. Maybe it’s finally time to learn to play the Ukulele, or speak French (Did you know a local French group meets Fridays at 10am in the Heritage Community room?). If you’d like to learn a new board or card game try the Mullis Center afternoon socials on Mondays and Wednesdays after lunch.

Check local resources for available classes. Alchemy Art Center offers a variety of art classes. Learn to Contra Dance at the Grange. My friend Alice says, “Contra dance keeps brain and body up and running”. Check for upcoming events at the library, adult recreation with Island Rec, or The EDC (Economic Development Council). Salish Sea School has adult programs. America’s Boating Club of the San Juans offers seaworthy classes and through SJI Fellowshop you can learn woodworking or blacksmithing skills and more.

While the pandemic wrecked havoc on classrooms, access to online classes actually improved. I’ve taken classes through FutureLearn including, one of my favorites, a class on the Book of Kells taught out of Trinity College in Dublin. Whatever your interests there is bound to be an online class to help you delve deeper into your subject.

So sharpen your pencils and sharpen your wits! Pursuing your interests can enrich your life and keep your cognitive skills lively. Happy learning!