As we get older, retirement is a time to celebrate. You finally have the time to do all things you wanted to do when you were working full-time, including earning another degree. If you’re not sure if returning to school is right for you, here are reasons why you should.
Financial Options
Before we jump into why returning to school is a good idea, let’s talk about paying tuition. Even if you’ve saved your money, you may still be living on a fixed income. As such, paying out of pocket for tuition may be out of the question. However, did you know that there are scholarships for college students that can help cover some, if not all, of the cost? Simply search for scholarships online and you’ll find a variety of ones to choose from that suit your educational needs. Now, let’s talk about the benefits.
Personal Enrichment
Going back to college can boost feelings of life satisfaction and personal enrichment. You’re never too old to learn, so whether it’s mastering math or learning a new language, you’ll be happy you gave it your all.
Increased Happiness
Isolation is one of the major causes of depression. So, after you retire, you might miss the daily interaction you had with others and struggle to find things to do when you’re bored and antsy. This is especially true if you’re single or widowed. Returning to school can open the door to new friendships and increased socialization.
Learn a New Trade
Even if you’ve looked forward to retirement, there may come a day when you want to return to work. Earning another degree helps you learn new skills and gives you confidence you need to step into a new role.
Boost Brain Power
Whether it’s lack of use or genetics, you can have cognitive decline as you get older. However, when you continually strive to learn new things, you can actually slow or even stop cognitive decline. Social interaction and using a computer are two of the best ways to stay sharp.
You Can Share Your Experiences
Believe it or not, most younger people enjoy learning about your life experiences. With such a difference in generational behaviors, younger peers want to know how life was like when you were their age and how you overcome the same obstacles they may be facing now.
Stay Current with Tech Trends
Our world is more digitized than ever, so the best way to stay current with the latest tech trends is by using them. In college, you have access to computers and courses that can teach you everything you need to know.
Reduced Cost
In addition to applying for scholarships, most states offer reduced cost of attendance for seniors. Depending on where you live, tuition could be cut in half. Some classes may even be free. Each state and university offer something different, so be sure to check with yours first.
Online Learning
If you prefer to split your time between campus and home, there’s definitely no shortage of online learning options. Some campuses offer hybrid classes while others are 100 percent online.
