Lifelong Learning: It’s Good For You!
By Ginita Wall, CPA, CFP and Candace Bahr, CEA, CDS

Education opens doors to greater earning power, opportunity, mobility, and even health and well-being. And it’s not just for kids any more. More and more Americans in midlife and beyond are heading for college campuses to revisit old dreams, rebuild their careers, or find a new life direction. Schools are gearing up to serve the need for lifelong learning.

Here’s why more adults are going back to school:   

1. Some Missed the Chance Earlier in Life
   While plenty of older Americans didn’t finish college at the traditional age, it’s never too late. A college degree is a great investment. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that workers with a bachelor’s degree earn almost twice as much as those with a high school diploma. Older students have life experience and maturity to bring to their higher education—a great formula for success.
   
   
2. Some Need a New Career Start
   Midlife transitions can leave people looking for a new direction. Loss of a job, divorce, widowhood, health issues, or an empty nest all might send adult students back to the classroom. Colleges offer career guidance, counseling, up-to-date professional training, choices and options for new career paths and opportunities. Education builds confidence and self-esteem.
   
   
3. Some Want Advanced Training in Their Chosen Field
   If a bachelor’s degree doubles your earning power, the Census Bureau found even greater salary gains for those with advanced degrees. There’s always more to learn in any field and a chance to move up the leadership ranks and maximize your potential can come with “even higher” higher education. Increased earning power benefits not only the individual. People with greater resources have greater opportunities to give back and serve the community.
   
   
4. Some Want the Health and Happiness Benefits of Lifelong Learning
   Colleges are expecting a tidal wave of new senior students as members of the vast baby boom generation begin to retire. A chance to revisit some early dreams or turn a hobby or volunteer interest into a new career will bring boomers back to school in record numbers. Staying mentally active and challenged is good insurance for a happy and healthy maturity. Going back to school also offers seniors a chance to keep up with the latest knowledge and mingle with younger generations.

Not only are colleges offering flexible schedules, short-term classes, and online programs geared for adult students, financial aid is not just for kids either. Lifelong learning benefits everyone. Is there a graduation cap and gown in your future?

At WIFE we welcome your comments. Please feel free to contact us.