We’re never too old to learn new things, and these days “lifelong learning” really does mean using our longer lives to continue to gain knowledge and wisdom, both informal and formal, often involving organised courses and educational programs. More older people than ever are going back to school to pursue lifelong learning; the Harvard Business Review recently reported that one woman graduated at age 99 after going to school for six years.

But lifelong learning doesn’t have to involve going back to school. There are plenty of programs available online, and many communities have continuing education programs and classes available through senior centers or libraries.

The US National Institutes of Health report studies that have found that learning new and challenging skills can positively benefit your brain. Participants generally do well learning new tasks and can still perform those tasks well even after several years have passed. Scientists aren’t sure exactly how lifelong learning and educational activities help the brain, but it is clear that being open to learning can help the brain adapt to compensate for age-related changes.