Keeping our minds sharp is more important than ever. While traditional methods like puzzles and crosswords have their place, research from the University of Texas at Dallas shows that active learning actually improves the cognitive functioning of older adults . Now, this doesn’t mean you have to sign on for a four-year degree at your local university, but rather open yourself up to new ideas or projects that could lead to new hobbies or enhance your life. 

We’ve gone through the work of finding some awesome sources of inspiration and learning for you, so you don’t have to… check out some of the resources below and make it your goal to spend at least 10 minutes a day learning something new.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn offers several different courses and certifications for their members. Those that have LinkedIn Premium or that choose to subscribe to LinkedIn Learning get access to thousands of high-quality online courses. It’s impossible to list all their courses, but there are hundreds of units that fall under four main categories: Business, Creative Technology, and Certifications. A LinkedIn Learning subscription will cost you $29.99 after your first free month. Though this price seems steep, most reviews and feedback from users find that the high-quality content and classes are well worth the price.

SkillShare 

Want to lean away from work and enhance some of your personal skills? No problem! SkillShare might be the service for you. Most courses on SkillShare are broken up into 20-30 minute sections and cover hundreds of topics. Creative writing, design work, cooking, and so much more! If you want to learn it, chances are SkillShare has a professional to teach it. SkillShare does require a subscription. After a 30-day trial, members will be charged $36/month. However, if you really like the service, you can cut that down to approximately $14/month by paying the annual fee of $168.

Podcasts

If you’re a commuter, then podcasts might be an easy way for you to learn. There are thousands of podcasts and most can be accessed for free with short ad breaks. The top three podcast apps are: Apple Podcast, Stitcher, and Spotify. Here are a few podcasts to get you started: 

1. Hidden Brain
   NPR’s social science correspondent Shankar Vedantam breaks down the patterns that inform human thinking and behaviors. 
2. You’re Wrong About
   Two journalists — Sarah Marshall and Michael Hobbes — discuss historical figures, events, and phenomena that have been misunderstood by the public. 
3. Stuff You Should Know
   This podcast covers a long list of intriguing and surprising topics like: how sushi works, how pain works, how book banning works, and how ghosts work. There’s tons more to learn and, really, there’s something for everyone.

BigThink 

BigThink is one of the coolest free websites you can find. Content on this site can be absorbed in 10 minutes or less which makes it a great source for daily “news”. BigThink brings content straight from the experts and covers several topics like scientific breakthroughs, revolutionary business concepts, and more in short videos. These videos talk about things like: Alzheimer’s research, Artificial Intelligence, and developments in space technology. If you’re wanting news to liven up a discussion, then BigThink is a site you should visit! If you’re feeling super committed, you can subscribe to their newsletter and learn something new while drinking your morning coffee.

YouTube Educational Channels

YouTube isn’t just for entertainment; it’s a treasure trove of free educational content on virtually any subject you can think of! Whether you’re interested in history, science, language, or even DIY projects, there are countless channels dedicated to teaching you something new. For those looking to brush up on their knowledge or dive into a completely new topic, here are a few channels to get started:

• CrashCourse : Created by Hank and John Green, CrashCourse offers engaging, fast-paced courses on a wide range of subjects, including history, biology, literature, and more. Their videos are animated and designed to make learning fun and accessible.

• TED-Ed: TED-Ed is the educational arm of the popular TED Talks series. It features short, animated videos on a variety of subjects, from the mysteries of space to the intricacies of language. Each video is crafted by educators and animators, making complex topics easy to understand.

• Khan Academy: While Khan Academy is known for its comprehensive website, their YouTube channel is also packed with helpful videos covering math, science, economics, and more. They offer step-by-step tutorials that are great for self-paced learning.

• Veritasium : If you're into science and engineering, Veritasium is a must-watch. The channel dives deep into scientific phenomena and presents them in an engaging, thought-provoking way. From physics puzzles to engineering marvels, there’s always something new to learn.

• The School of Life: This channel explo res emotional intelligence, relationships, philosophy, and self-improvement. Their videos are insightful, offering practical advice and philosophical musings that encourage introspection and personal growth.

Learning doesn’t have to be a daunting task or a major time commitment. With just a few minutes each day, you can explore new subjects, challenge yourself, and keep your mind sharp. So, why don't we get started today? Choose a platform that suits your interests, set aside a few minutes daily, and embark on a new learning adventure!