Whether you’re looking to change careers or simply learn something new, going back to school is a great way to do it. In fact, earning your degree offers benefits you might not know about. However, if you’re over 30, 40, or even 50, you might think you’re too old to go to school. Fortunately, you’re never too old to learn. In this article, we’ll go over the physical and psychological benefits of higher education.
Happier Disposition
Going back to school can make you feel happier overall, aside from feeling accomplished and more confident. After all, earning a degree is a major accomplishment, and you should be proud of yourself. Another degree can also give you the skills you need to master complex tasks.
Learn New Skills
Going back to college also gives you a chance to master a different skillset. Maybe you majored in marketing when you were younger but now want to study creative writing and eventually go on to teach others. There are plenty of programs you can choose from to improve your writing skills and also learn how to mentor others.
However, not every college offers the same degree programs. In addition, depending on the school, the cost may be more than you can afford. In addition to personal or student loans, you can also apply through Going Merry scholarships. If you’re not sure how to go about it, you can get matched with eligible college scholarships. All you have to do is input your personal information to get started. You can then choose from a variety of scholarships to apply to. Since scholarships have different prerequisites, make sure to read the fine print prior to applying.
Increased Longevity
Those who continue their education may also live longer. A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences demonstrated that both men and women who earned a BA tend to live longer than those who didn’t. It also went on to say that a possible correlation between getting a degree and making better health decisions.
Financial Freedom
Even if you are financially stable, continued education can give you an added level of financial security. When you learn new skills, you open the door to career growth. So, even if you’re happy where you work, another degree can help you get a promotion. This can also open doors for your career as your needs change. You can find family friendly jobs down the line with the education you receive now, even if you do not currently have the need for a job that caters to families.
Make New Friends
While some people might think college is only a place for young adults, that’s simply not true. Even if you choose to attend online, you can meet new people with the same interest as you. If you choose to attend on campus, you have even more opportunity to interact with a variety of different people, both younger and older than you.
Improved Mental Health
Increased socialization and increased self-esteem are also perks of returning to school. Students over 50 who choose to continue their studies are more likely to make better health choices like not drinking or smoking and remain physical fit.