Research says that learning something new helps keep the brain active and fresh. In fact, studies have shown that those over a certain age who learn new activities decrease their chances of early onset dementia, Alzheimer’s and other memory effected diseases (sorry no sources, just discussions with my scientist sister!). It’s counter productive then, and in my opinion false, that some may view education as solely being an institution. That once you graduate, you no longer learn.

I think one reason why people may hesitate to learn something new is that it’s hard. Of course it’s hard! If it weren’t you wouldn’t be learning! When you get so comfortable doing things you know how to do it’s easy to get intimidated by anything that makes you feel vulnerable. But vulnerability is a beautiful thing. It opens you up to new experiences and skills. It exercises that beautiful brain of yours and reminds you that, while it
may be frustrating and it may take longer than what your younger self could achieve, you can still learn to do something new.

I’m learning how to crochet hexagons, and it wasn’t easy. It took me multiple failed attempts and even more horrible looking hexagonish things to finally get the hang of it. My mom kept reminding me I would get there, and eventually I did.
The thing about learning? It helps to have a supportive and encouraging teacher.