Do you think you may be too old to learn? You probably know the saying, “Can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

I know several acquaintances who think once you become of certain age life slows down and retirement is the future. They have no plans, thinking it will all just fall into place.

You may not be aware, but many of us don’t even get started until we reach the 60-year mark. And a large amount of these late learners bloom with new careers, projects and talents that were not known to them.

Have you given thought to starting something new but didn’t because you were afraid of failure or that people may laugh? I would advise you to be brave and do it anyway. You can only gain from the experience and may find you are opening a new door to a life beyond your current settings.

Many articles have been written about lifelong learning and the mental benefits of it. Although these benefits are important, I want to talk about the personal satisfaction of doing something that gives pleasure to the individual along with a sense of accomplishment.

Perhaps you have thought about options but aren’t sure which interests to pursue. If so, here are a few suggestions to help you discover which direction to take.

Stay Current

Do you often feel you are a little behind with the times? Perhaps it’s the digital age, current events or even understanding your grandchildren’s views.

Whatever the reason, you can find many ways to become knowledgeable and up-to-date. Opportunities abound, ranging from educational classes to networking groups. Surprisingly, these avenues can also lead to new social groups and, often, friends.

Explore new ways of organizing your life. Try different ways of communication. The more you develop and expand your knowledge, the more effective you will communicate with others. Also, this will keep you from reverting to the past and how things “used to be.”

Develop Your Passions

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a writer, trainer or teacher? The world is full of ways to grow your passion and share it with others. You can develop your hobbies into full time careers by showing others your talents.

Perhaps you had thoughts of painting, working with children, animals or other things you never did because you didn’t have the time to pursue them. These activities can lead to expanding your horizons, creating new friendships and provide rewards by giving back to the community.

Find Hidden Talents

Many times we don’t realize what talents we have, and when we allow our self to grow we find more than we dreamed of having. Our talents may be cooking, art, gardening, travel, consulting – the list is endless.

Give yourself the gift to become more by experiencing all that life can offer. Go ahead, try something you thought about but never did. You never know where it may lead.

Gain New Confidence

Advanced knowledge brings self-assurance. When you allow yourself to grow, you become more confident. This is powerful in a world where age may make us feel less than certain. Gaining new abilities, talents and passions in life can and will help center you and find your place in the world.

Would you consider yourself a lifelong learner? What new passions are you looking to explore in your 60s? Please share in the comments below.