TheLifeInstitute

  How often have you heard yourself or a loved one reminiscing over the “good old days”? As you move closer to retirement, it’s common to feel nostalgic about the years gone by, especially your years at school and university. That time when you laughed every day, forged friendships for life, and learnt something new each day. As you step into your golden years and plan a new lifestyle in retirement, you may be able to bring back and relive those days in a variety of different ways. Whether it is through pursuing active learning opportunities, travelling to new places, indulging in retirement hobbies, socializing, or volunteering, there are a host of interesting things to do in retirement. Do What Makes YOU Happy While it may sound contradictory, staying busy is the key to a successful and satisfying retirement. It is the time to do things that make YOU happy, because now you  have  the time! It is about doing things that give you a sense of purpose, accomplishment and a f...

Much is spoken and written about the  benefits of lifelong learning   and how it contributes to healthy ageing. Formal, structured learning programs and activities that offer informal learning can boost your physical, emotional, and mental wellness. Volunteering is also a great way to remain healthy and active during your golden years. Besides sharing your time, skills, and experience with others in the community, volunteering is an excellent opportunity to: Meet new people and develop new friendships Gain new perspectives and ideas from these interactions Develop a greater appreciation for diversity of thought and action Expand your knowledge base and experience a sense of fulfillment   Meaningful Ways to Contribute Your Time, Skills and Experience  Volunteering is about enriching people's lives in your community or academic institution with your knowledge and experience. More than that, it is also about learning new things, beating boredom, and stretching your mind...

  How Lifelong Learning can Keep You Busy in Retirement Lifelong learning is that not-so-secret sauce that promotes healthy aging by keeping your body and mind active and alert. It helps prevent or reduce the risk of memory loss by challenging your mind, increasing your knowledge and boosting your self-esteem. Read on to learn how later life learning can keep you busy in retirement, while offering a host of other physiological and emotional benefits. Stay Physically, Mentally and Socially Active through Lifelong Learning Staying busy in retirement is a critical aspect of making your golden years meaningful and satisfying. Embracing formal learning opportunities has many proven benefits. This includes improved cognitive abilities, a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment and improved social life and sense of community. Here are some options to pursue lifelong learning and stay mentally, socially and physically active when you retire: Go Back to School : Find courses to upgrade ...

  Learning and upgrading your knowledge or skills throughout your lifetime can happen in many different ways. From formal, classroom-based courses to new activities with friends and loved ones, self-training initiatives and online learning, opportunities abound for those who keep their minds open and continue to grow. Reading, watching the news, solving crosswords, trying new recipes, joining activity clubs, and connecting with new people, are all activities that contribute to indirect lifelong learning throughout adult life. But is lifelong learning really that important? The answer lies in hundreds of different research studies that show how  lifelong learning promotes healthy aging   . Read on to learn more about the many benefits of lifelong learning. Top Three Advantages of Lifelong Learning Healthy Body and Mind : Continuous learning is a great way to remain active, exercise your body, and stimulate your mind. It not only improves your physical health, but also keep...

  They say the most valuable asset you will ever have is your mind and what you put into it. Committing yourself to lifelong learning is not only an exhilarating process, but it can also stimulate your senses and contribute to your overall health and wellbeing. Yet, as we age, many of us tend to take a step back from exploring new things. Thoughts such as “This is too mind-boggling", "I'm too old to learn this new stuff", "What if I make a fool of myself?”, “What if I cannot understand or absorb what they teach?” are quite common. It is important to remember that just as physical exercise nurtures your heart and contributes to your physical health, continuous learning nurtures your brain and boosts mental and emotional wellness. Read on to understand how lifelong learning helps you build cognitive reserve and promotes healthy ageing. The Why and How of Lifelong Learning Lifelong learning is about keeping our memory sharp and our brain alert. Whether you are into...

Barbara Britto immigrated to Canada from Kuwait in 1989. She travelled alone and was determined to build a beautiful life for herself in the new country she would call home. Early Days in Canada Shortly after arriving in Canada, Barbara went back to school to continue her education and to obtain her CPA (Certified Public Accountant) designation. Her CPA designation allowed her to start her own accounting business. In 2019, she started working from home and found that she had more flexibility in her schedule. She was interested in attending lectures, taking courses, contributing to her community and meeting new people. These interests prompted her to research older adult programs in Toronto, Ontario. Coming to LIFE A straightforward Google search introduced Barbara to The LIFE Institute at Ryerson University. She was attracted to the variety of lecture topics, the affordable course offerings, and the opportunities to get involved in the LIFE community. After becoming a LIFE member, Barb...

  Retirement is about relaxation and doing all the things you have always wanted to do but never had enough time to enjoy. Yet, older adults who experience joint pain or fatigue may find it difficult to stay physically active. While it can be tempting to lie back and have another restful day, pushing yourself to get up and move can have many benefits physically, mentally, and socially. Exercising has been proven to boost overall health and wellness at any age. It can lift your mood, reduce pain, and keep your bones and muscles strong. Use the opportunity to  stay socially active  in retirement. It can be as easy as calling a friend to join you on a walk or taking a trip to the community recreation centre. Below, we cover just some of the many benefits of staying physically active and provide access to articles for further reading. Boost Mood and Reduce Pain When we exercise, our brains are flooded with  endorphins  which are feel-good chemicals that reduce stres...

  Adjusting to life after retirement often brings a set of challenges. For example, it can feel strange to no longer have a lengthy list of daily tasks to complete, meetings to attend, or calls to make. The faster pace and busy routine in your working years is probably replaced by an easy, relaxed lifestyle. While it may be a welcome change for a short while, you will soon begin to wonder what to do with your lifetime of knowledge, skills, abilities, and unique talents. Certainly, they should not go to waste, and you can apply them in new and exciting ways! The joy of retirement is that you now have more freedom and control over your time. You can decide how often and for how long you lend your valuable time and talents to the people and causes you care about. Luckily, there is no shortage of volunteer opportunities or volunteer groups for older adults in Toronto. In fact, The LIFE Institute at Ryerson University is always seeking people like you to pitch in! Keep reading to see ho...