Every January, the new year arrives with a familiar message: set goals, make resolutions, improve yourself. But big promises to “do better” can feel rigid, especially when health, energy, or daily rhythms are changing while aging. So, this year and to honor International Day of Education (Jan 24), we invite individuals and families to consider a different approach: curiosity.
The curious brain
Curiosity doesn’t ask for perfection or long-term commitment. It simply encourages noticing, wondering, and exploring – at a pace that feels right for you. And research suggests that curiosity is more than a pleasant mindset; it’s a meaningful support for brain health and emotional well-being as we age.
Curiosity is a foundation of cognitive engagement, or mental stimulation. This engagement is linked with the brain’s ability to adapt and remain resilient over time. Studies suggest that older adults who remain intellectually and socially engaged experience benefits such as:
- Stronger brain function over time, with the possibility of offsetting or even preventing Alzheimer’s disease
- Improved emotional well-being, including higher emotional intelligence, enhanced self-expression, and a better sense of humor
- Greater sense of purpose, which research shows can help people live longer
- Reduced social isolation, as curiosity often leads to shared activities, conversation, and connection
Learning doesn’t have to look like school
To be a curious person is to be a lifelong learner. Organizations like Universities of the Third Age (U3A) offer a more structured approach to curiosity and skill development specifically geared for older adults. But some of the most vibrant examples of lifelong learning happen outside classrooms. New ideas are explored in libraries, cultural centers, volunteer programs, and peer-led groups across the world. Regardless, learning later in life is an opportunity for socially connected, pressure-free, and interest-driven engagement.
To spark curiosity, start by asking a loved one or yourself:
- If you could learn everything there is to know about one thing, what would that be?
- What’s the first section in a bookstore you like to go to?
- Is there something odd that consistently confuses you, like why cats like boxes or our fingers get wrinkly in water?
- When visiting a new country, what would be the three most important things you’d want to do?
These questions can tease out what is interesting; then curiosity can live in moments rather than programs. Try:
- Watching a short documentary or video about a long-held interest
- Finding new voices about a favorite subject at the local library or bookstore
- Keeping a list of oddities to investigate online
- Exploring different places through photos, music, and food
The goal isn’t mastery. It’s engagement.
Other creative ways older adults can explore something new are:
- Micro-learning: Short, flexible bursts of learning (no more than ten minutes) to keep curiosity light and sustainable. Examples may be an article, a podcast clip, or a single how-to video. One idea, one moment, no pressure to continue unless interest remains.
- Community-based learning: Talks, discussion groups, or creative workshops that invite participation without long-term commitment. Settings that offer this learning and connection are usually libraries, museums, faith communities, and local organizations.
- Everyday rituals: Daily routines can become gateways to exploration. A meal can spark interest in a culture or memory. A walk can become an exercise in noticing what’s changed—or what hasn’t. Even sorting through photos or objects can lead to storytelling, reflection, and discovery.
Curiosity grows best in environments that feel safe, unhurried, and respectful. Family members and caregivers don’t need to “teach”; they simply need to invite.
- Offering choices instead of open-ended demands, such as two topics or activities to explore
- Using conversation starters like photos, music, or news stories to prompt interest
- Turning routine moments, such as meals, walks, or quiet afternoons, into opportunities for reflection or wonder
- Celebrating interest and engagement rather than outcomes or accomplishments
At Home Care Assistance, we know how powerful curiosity can be. When caregivers have the time and presence, small moments of exploration often become sources of confidence, connection, and joy. Aging shouldn’t be about limiting choices, but seeing where our curiosity takes us after all these years.
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Sources: UCLA; European Journal of Ageing; Activities, Adaptation, & Aging; Psychological Science; UC Riverside;