The common belief is that one expands their knowledge primarily through reading books, but in today's modern age, books are no longer the only available resource to continue learning throughout your lifetime. With modern technology, there are several ways to continue your education, some without having to leave the Hickory Villa assisted living community or your current home. Check out these seven ways seniors can continue learning.
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to learn is to take advantage of the public library system. Omaha has three branches in the city, and registering for a library card is free yet allows you to access a plethora of materials both online and in-person. Check out a book or go scrolling through the library databases to find something that interests you.
On the Omaha Public Library website, there are e-texts and archives available with an entire section dedicated to online learning on the homepage. By clicking the "Online Learning" option underneath the "Resources" tab, you'll be taken to a webpage with subjects available for people of all ages.
Although Google is a very useful tool and can help you find resources for education , it's important to be careful when reading things on Google, as much of the information can be biased or unsupported.
There is a part of Google called Google Scholar, however, that is excellent for finding academic material that has been published and peer-reviewed. The advanced search option can help you narrow your topic down, and a myriad of papers, books and research notes can be found about whatever subject you can imagine.
If you prefer to stick with novels and literary resources, it has become as effortless as ever to find books to read. Amazon got its start selling books and has since created a shipping empire that can deliver you books with ease. Its website has all sorts of reading options: purchase new copies online, buy an audiobook or find a used copy through a third-party seller for less.
Amazon also created the Amazon Kindle that can store hundreds of books into a single library on. Buying through the online store saves you driving time and book space, and it offers more availability to a wider range of resources through the internet.
If you prefer print over electronic methods, try finding a local bookstore. Buying locally helps small-time communities and struggling businesses that could use new customers. Omaha has several local places that sell books, such as:
• The Bookworm (2501 S 90th St #111, Omaha)
– This recent blog lists this as a great local business to support
• Jackson Street Booksellers (1119 Jackson St)
• Half Price Books (12355 W Center Rd)
• The Next Chapter (2508 Farnam St)
• Many Paths Bookstore (3424 N 90th St)
If you don't want to read, try audiobooks! Audiobooks are convenient, as you can listen to them while you do other activities. Being able to listen to lectures, stories or sermons while sewing, driving or just sitting in the sunlight enables anyone with headphones to follow along audibly.
Podcasts are available on any mobile device and can be as educational as they are entertaining. A simple Google search can direct listeners to an endless amount of content on a myriad of fascinating subjects of study. Many podcasts are free on websites like YouTube and Spotify, and as podcasting becomes more and more of an independent medium, the number of available topics remains on the rise. Here are a few to check out:
• Radio Lab
• Stuff You Should Know
• This American Life
• TED Radio Hour
For ambitious learners, there are all kinds of programs online that are designed to educate — whether that means registering for classes through a community college or university, subscribing to virtual services for individual learning or simply viewing how-to or educational videos.
Many experts in their fields upload and curate content on various boards and pages across the internet with the sole intention of spreading knowledge and research to people around the world. Following their content or even reaching out to them can also provide learning materials and scholarly discussions.
You can also access informal training with YouTube.com. YouTube is one of the most informative yet bizarre hubs of knowledge online. With more content than a person could watch in a lifetime uploaded onto its website, YouTube offers wonderful and very in-depth explanations and lessons if you know where to look.
Youtube can accurately educate audiences on nearly every subject. Several YouTube channels are designed to be educational, whether it's practical, historical, scientific or social.
Here are some fantastic educational YouTube channels worth subscribing to:
• OverSimplified (History)
• TED-Ed and TEDTalks
• Crash Course (history)
• C.G.P. Grey (history, politics, technology)
• Khan Academy (math, science, computing)
The conglomeration of humanity's knowledge from the last several hundred years has been compiled onto the internet. Some sources are unreliable, but those who seek to learn can build their wealth of knowledge by cross-checking information with other well-found sources. Maintaining an active mind and a curious spirit makes self-education easy, and those who never stop learning never stop growing. With internet access, the world's knowledge is at your fingertips.
