We’re NEVER Too Old to Learn!

Across the street from my office is a park equipped with a great playground, shaded areas to sit, and a number of paved walkways. Last Sunday afternoon when the weather was sunny and warm, I watched as a mom taught her young child to ride a bike—sans training wheels.

Based on the size of the kid and the bike, I’d say he was no more than 3 or 4 years old, and he struggled mightily to remain upright and moving in the right direction. The mom patiently ran beside him, helping him stay on the path and navigate around the many obstacles (i.e., dogs and people) that got in his way. Every time the kid would fall, he would—with the mom’s encouragement—get back up and try again.

I cheered this kid on in my head as his proficiency grew and he was able to ride without assistance for longer and longer distances. It really was a beautiful sight to see.

It was as it should be.

From the moment we’re born, we’re faced with the task of learning new skills—sucking, swallowing, potty-training, riding a bike, reading, writing, etc.—and society accepts that as a given. While it may take some people longer to master these skills, virtually everyone—with the exception, perhaps, of those who are intellectually and/or developmentally delayed—eventually gets it.

But for reasons that confound me—and everyone I know who’re concerned with issues related to aging and ageism—such acceptance seems to end with young adulthood. Even worse, by the time older adulthood rolls around, society not only doesn’t accept that people have the willingness and the capacity to master new skills, it outright rejects it.

“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” people say. “Older adults don’t understand technology.” Or, “I’m too old to learn how to  _____________.”

BALONEY.

The fact is ANYONE at ANY AGE can learn ANYTHING they put their mind to. A new language. How to swim. How to paint or sculpt or code or cook or garden or make wine or do yoga or any one of a million other skills they have yet to try, much less master.

THERE IS NO EXPIRATION DATE ON A PERSON’S ABILITY—OR DESIRE—TO LEARN.

They just have to be willing—and be given the chance—to try.