8 Reasons Why Online Training Is the Perfect Solution for Older Learners

For people over a certain age, the online world can be a little bit scary (and sometimes with good reason). When it comes to studying and learning online, there’s also a perception of “well, that’s not proper education, is it?”

Well, in fact, online training is actually ideal for older people in a whole lot of ways, so we’re going to be putting on our bifocals and looking at some of these in this article.

What Is Online Learning?

Well, you surely know this!  But for the record, it's all about taking courses out of the classroom and into the kitchen, lounge or home study which can have a number of benefits for students of any age. Online training is accessible to anybody with a device and internet connection and is usually presented through a combination of video tutorials, interactive exercises and self-learning modules.

So Why Is Online Learning Perfect  for Older Learners?

As we get older, taking on a course or class can sometimes be daunting and many people decide not to go ahead for a number of reasons including time restraints and fear of appearing silly or old fashioned in front of younger students - and this is where online study comes into its own. In this section we’re sharing some of the great opportunities online learning presents for older people.

1. The flexible friend

One of the biggest benefits of distance learning is, of course, convenience and flexibility. Online learners can crack on with their studies anytime, anywhere - which means that you can master a module on the move when travelling or complete an assignment while cooking the dinner.  Internet-based courses allow you to study in your own time so that you can fit your studies in around your other responsibilities such as work and caring rather than being corsetted by a rigid schedule.

2. Mind over matter

If you’re retired or perhaps in a job that no longer challenges you, it can be easy to lose touch with your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Learning something online - whether that’s coding or customer service - helps to flex your mental muscles and improve your memory for a better - and longer - quality of life.

3. A sense of purpose

Retirement tends to be the golden goal that we all aspire to however, for many, boredom and a lack of structure can soon sour the long-awaited change. Learning a new language ahead of a dream holiday or improving your communication skills is a great way of giving you a new lease of life and a sense of purpose in your older years.

4. Teching your skills to a new level

It’s no secret that technology is advancing at lightning speed and, while we now have two-year-olds using iPads, some older people can start to feel like they’re being left behind. Online learning can really help here by allowing you to learn new technical skills, from the simple to the sophisticated. The big benefit here is that you can go back and redo any bits that you didn’t quite get to grips with the first time.

5. Levelling the playing field

If it’s been a good few years since you were last a student, getting back in the saddle can be daunting and many people worry that they may appear silly or behind the times when learning in a classroom with younger people. Online learning however is super-inclusive and allows you to study at your own pace and in your own time without worrying that you’re holding up other members of the class.

6. Connecting through courses

Another not-so-great thing about retirement can, for many people, mean loneliness and isolation. If you spend decades going into the office and chatting with colleagues, it can feel like you suddenly have tons of time on your hands, on your own. Studying online not only arms you with some new skills but it also opens the door to meeting new people through groups and forums - many of whom can turn into real-life friends.

7. Access all areas

Classroom learning may have its benefits but the fact is that it can also present challenges to those who are not able to get around as easily as others. Having to navigate transport as well as buildings which may not necessarily be 100% accessible can mean that you’re exhausted before the bell even goes on your lesson. Internet learning, of course, is fully inclusive - allowing you to focus on your studies, not the logistics.

8. The price is right

Most of us are keeping an eye on the purse strings these days and class-based courses can be pricey. Internet studies however, tend to be considerably cheaper in themselves, as well as cutting out any traveling costs.

Conclusion

These days, a great many older people are embracing the internet as the key to a fuller and more connected life and, online learning is a lot easier, cheaper and accessible than you might think. With a wide range of courses to choose from and the flexibility of learning on your own terms, and in your time, your new skills are just a few clicks away.