Still going to school later in life? That's fine! In fact, it is very important to keep your brain active after retirement. Which educational institutions can you attend, and what are the costs? In this article we explain what you should take into account if you start studying (again) after retirement.
Nose in the books
College desks are no longer always filled only by young students: more and more retirees are also diving into their books. The reasons for this are different. This can be an opportunity to delve deeper into the field that you previously found interesting, but in which you did not see any job prospects. Or maybe you didn't have the opportunity to go to college after high school. It can also be a way to delve into the historical background of social events, or learn more about another language or culture.
Brainstorming
Above all, studying is a way to keep your brain active – very important, especially after retirement. It is even one of the conditions for enjoying your retirement, according to aging researcher Andrea Maier. She works as a professor of gerontology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and is also a professor of geriatrics (elderly medicine) at the University of Melbourne. According to Maier, how you experience your retirement depends on three factors: an active brain, a healthy body and a lively social life. If one of those factors disappears, the unit will become unbalanced. Suppose you have a physical ailment and are therefore confined to your home, then this will also affect your social life, for example.
Customized education
Studying later in life can take different forms. If you want to study part-time or full-time at university, register for it regular education. Keep in mind that studying at university can be expensive, as you have to pay the institutional fee. This rate varies enormously per university – differences of several thousand euros on an annual basis are not unusual. So investigate the options in different cities.
You can also register for the so-called Higher Education for the Elderly (HOVO). These are special tailor-made education programs at a university or higher professional education institution, especially for people who want to study later in life. The teaching times have been adjusted, the didactic method is different and there are no test moments. The HOVO can perhaps best be compared to an intensive academic course of ten meetings. There are also other institutes offering similar courses – consider the People's University. You can also opt for a home course, for example via NTI of LOI.
Knowledge as a coat rack
Studying later in life may seem difficult at first: your brain simply has to get used to the fact that you are suddenly using it in a different way. Fortunately, you will see that you can store new information more and more easily. In addition, it helps to use the knowledge you have acquired in recent years as a basis. By linking new information to what you already know, you remember it better. So don't see your age as an obstacle, but as an advantage!
Consultancy
Do you have questions about studying later in life? Our experts are happy to take you by the hand. Contact our Service Center immediately. We can be reached every working day from 8.30:17.00 am to 0345:851 pm via sc@unie.nl and 963 XNUMX XNUMX.
