Why Women In Midlife Need To Prioritize Learning

Ageless Adventures: Wendy Deacon

One of the best anti-aging or healthy aging tips I know is to keep stoking your internal desire to keep learning.

I often speak about the value of trying something new. But today’s focus is instead on the significance of always seeking knowledge. And when you’re ready, the how to try something new.

Never Stop Learning:

Every day as we age, we must prioritize choices that help our heart, our brain, our body and our spirit feel our best. We choose more carrots and fewer cookies. We choose walking and standing more than sitting. And we feel better when we do what we know we’re supposed to do.

“Now that you’re reinvigorated and ready to try something new this year, I want to help you make the most of it.”

But what about choosing to spend time each week to focus on learning – on expanding our knowledge? What about YOU? What is either a subject you want to learn more about or a new skill you’d like to master? And what are you doing about it?  

Our tastes and interests change as we age and I have a totally different appreciation for history and gardening that never saw the light of day in my teens or twenties. Now, I absolutely love the History Channel. I love visiting historical museums and started gardening in my 50s.

Find a class to learn to speak Portuguese. Learn how to play the piano, how to create your first clay sculpture. Join a new book club from a group flyer at your local coffee shop. These are all fantastic ways to meet new people and expand your circle of friends.

Now that you’re reinvigorated and ready to try something new this year, I want to help you make the most of it. We are in such a blessed and fortunate position of being able to enjoy some of the nicer and fun things life has to offer. And for whatever you’ve decided to go for, it’s also time to be smart about it.

Prioritize Learning, Take A Lesson:

The final piece is that if your list includes something you’ve not tried before but need some help with please consider hiring an instructor or taking a lesson. It make such a difference. And it is sooooo much more valuable in our stage of life to learn from an expert. It shortens your learning curve tremendously and you get to the fun and joy of the activity much, much sooner.

“Please consider hiring an instructor or taking a lesson. It make such a difference.”

Recently I had the pleasure to try Nordic skiing. Just after one lesson, I can actually cross country ski safely enough and make forward progress in a timely manner to get out into the beautiful snow globe and enjoy a whole new activity in the winter months. It’s a great way to stay fit, to take in Mother Nature and keep a smile on my face.

So what about you?!?! How will we keep the smile on your face?!?!

Your homework today is to write down three learning goals for 2024, no matter how small, and a date you commit to get started. Notice the word and intention of “started.” You don’t have to finish it or become a master, but the simple act of getting started is a huge leap forward. Get out there and start Nordic skiing, learn Portuguese, play the piano, or join that book club. Find your something new, keep learning and keep smiling!

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Wendy started DestinationU in 2019 and through her community and platform, she is a champion for aging adventurously. She is on a mission to resource and empower women over 40 to reimagine what’s possible and live with way more adventure, fun & fulfillment.  

Wendy had a successful career, but after a series of personal life changes, she decided it was time for a seismic shift to create something much more personally fulfilling. She authored several books, started building the DestinationU community and started setting up and leading more customized group adventure trips.  

She previously spent 20 years in preventive health as a national non-profit leader, international speaker and world class athlete but she still wanted more. Wendy was increasingly focused on intentional and experiential living with healthy aging and she met many women like her on the same journey. A whole new world opened up.