We have all heard the phrase “You can’t teach and old dog new tricks.” Well, apologies to the dog lovers but that’s a load of rubbish when it comes to humans– especially brilliant, life-experienced women like us (it took a guts to put that sentence in. That is my positive affirmation to myself, and I am needing to press repeat right now).
Yes, the brain changes with age. And yes sometimes it feels like we have got 101 tabs open in our minds and we can’t remember why we walked into the kitchen. Bit learning? That is still very much on the menu.
So, does age really make it harder to learn?
Here’s what the research says:
• Neuroplasticity– our brain’s ability to form new neural connections– does not disappear with age. It may slow down a bit, but it never stops.
• Studies show that lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, diet, and social engagement have a much bigger impact on learning than age alone.
• Women, particularly in midlife and beyond, often experience cognitive shifts relatesd to hormonal changes (hello, menopause). But that dosen’t mean learning stops– it just means we need new strategies.
So if you have ever though, “I’m too old to start something new,” please know that science (and researching and writing this mean and I) disagree wholeheartedly.
Why does it feel harder to learn sometimes?
As we get older, life gets full. Our brains are juggling, careers, hormones, bills, health concerns, and what’s for tea. That mental load can make it feel like learning new things takes longer.
Also, let’s be honest– confidence can wobble. We compare ourselves to others and to younger, tech-savvy generations and convince ourselves we have “missed the boat”.
But let me reassure you: You are not behind. You are just beginning something new (another positive affirmation I am using for myself)– and that takes courage, not youth.
Top Tips to Keep Learning Fun and Effective at Any Age
1) Make it meaningful– You are more likely to remember something if it lights you up. Choose subjects that genuinely interest you– whether it’s learning Italian, playing the Ukulele 
(couldn’t even spell that), or understanding your pelvic floor.
2) Start small and celebrate progress– Set little goals and give yourself credit. Finished a lesson? Celebrate it. You are winning.
3) Use all your senses– Read it, say it aloud, write it down (my fav and most useful), make something visual. The more ways you engage with the material, the more your brain retains it.
4) Be kind to yourself– Forget perfection. Learning later in life is a rebellious act of self-love. You (I) are “not bad at tech” or “slow at learning.” We are human. Keep going.
5) Move your body– Physical activity boosts btrain health and memory. Even a 10-minute walk helps your learning stick (Bonus: it’s also grteat for your lymph and mood.)
6) Learn with others– Join a class, or community where people support each other. Learnkng is more fun when you feel connected.
The Joy of Lifelong Learning
Learning isn’t just about exams or being the best. It’s about staying curious, flexible, and alive. Whether you are 40, 60 or 85, your brain is wired for growth.
So yes, you can absolutely learn new things. And not just can– you deserve to. You have spent a lifetime supporting others. Now’s your time to explore, expand and enjoy.
What if I just feel too overwhelmed to learn right now?
I hear you. Sometimes even the idea of learning something new feels like just another thing on the to-do list. Life can get loud– work, health, family, emotional ups and downs… it’s alot. It is easy to put yourself last.
You might feel guilty for not keeping up with everyone, for missing messages, for putting fun and connection to the bottom of the pile. You are human. Being overwhelmed is not a sign of weakness– it’s a signal. A whisper from your body and mind that you need rest, not more pressure.
So if learning something new feels impossible right now, that’s okay. Be kind to yourself, give yourself permission to rest and reconnect with something that feels nourishing.
Journal Prompt:
What do I need less of right now? What do I need more of?
Write things down, let it flow, no editing, no judgement– the messy, the tired, the truth. Often just naming it helps lighten the load.
You have just read my truth– my researched and cleaned up version– my step away from trying to get a distinction in one course and revising for an intake exam for another course, wondering if I have made the right decision to take a detour in my career, feeling guilty for not seeing family and not earning a living.
.But what if I have to keep going?
Some of us do not have the luxury of pressing pause. Mayvbe you have commited to a course, a qulaification, a project, or something important that can’t be left half-finished. Maybe people are counting on you. Maybe you are counting on yourself.
I see you. A drive to complete things– to follow through, stay dependable, and do what you said you would– is STRONG. And it comes from a place of integrity, care, and resilience. But it’s also okay to admit when the load is heavy.
If stopping isn’t and option, try shifting the pace. Can you go more gently? Can yoiu make space for breath, music, movement, laughing between tasks? Can you swap “perfect” for “good enough today”?
Completing the journey doesn’t have to mean burning yourself out along the way. Sometimes finishing strong means finishing a little softer, with your wellbeing intact.
Mini Quiz: How’s your learning energy today?
1) Am I learning because I want to, or because I feel I have to?
2) What would make this feel lighter or easier?
3) Have I moved, rested, or connected with fun today?
4) Is there one small thing I can delegate, delay, or do differently?
5) What’s the kindest next step I can take right now?
This was written for myself and every one of you feeling the same pressures.
This was a bit of time out from treatment plans, revision, getting ready for the next Pilates online courses. It helped me rationalise how I was feeling a little. I am still under the pump, I still need to continue. I do need to take more breaks, move and listen to the be kind to myself message.