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10 Health Benefits of Painting You Won't Want To Miss Out On.
Have you been considering learning to paint, or do you have a painting party in your future? Painting isn't just fun, but it also provides a variety of health benefits. From sparking your creative growth to unlocking better mental and emotional wellness, here are 10 benefits of painting you won't want to miss.

1. Painting Promotes Creative Growth.
Nobel Prize winner and psychobiologist Roger W. Sperry theorized that people think and perform tasks using either the right side or left side of their brain. He believed that right-brain thinkers were more visual and creative, while left-brain thinkers were more logical and analytical.

2. Painting Enhances Problem-Solving Skills.
How can you paint a joyful painting using a dark color palette? How do you make a flower look more realistic? When you drip a drop of paint on the wrong part of your canvas, how will you fix it?

3. Painting Improves Fine Motor Skills.
Painting also helps develop fine motor skills, which is when you use the small muscles in your hands and wrists to make delicate or precise movements. These activities are especially important for young children, but adults benefit from strengthening these muscles too.

4. Painting Encourages Positivity and Offers Stress Relief.
Everyday life leads to quite a bit of mental strain and can generate negative emotions, but painting has been shown to reduce stress levels. This is especially true for group painting activities. Not only will you be socializing and receiving positive feedback from the other people painting with you, but you will be creating something beautiful that you can take pride in.

5. Painting Bolsters Memory, Concentration, and Spatial Awareness
When you paint, your mind has to visualize a concept or idea and then recreate it as you paint, tapping into and building your memory skills. It also helps develop your sense of spatial awareness as you mentally evaluate the shape, size, texture, and color of the item you're painting.

6. Painting Fosters Emotional Awareness and Growth.
Not only has painting been proven to improve brain health, but it can also support your emotional intelligence and emotional growth. Images can communicate and express things that our words and thoughts don't capture. Many artists use their work as a form of self-exploration and reflection. Some artists even look back on a painting and realize it expresses emotion they weren't aware they were experiencing.

7. Painting Offers a Healthy Challenge.
Most people don't start out creating masterpieces, and that's alright! Even if painting isn't one of your natural talents, it can still be a wonderful — and challenging — new hobby.

8. Painting Boosts Self-Confidence.
Speaking of which, painting can also raise self-esteem in children, teens, and adults. Many people show up to a painting party or team-building activity thinking they can't paint to save their lives, only to find that they can! And that's a huge confidence boost.

9. Painting Builds Nonverbal Communication Skills.
There are many ways to communicate, and verbal communication is just one of them. When you work with colors, shapes, and textures regularly, you increase your nonverbal “vocabulary,” learning how to share ideas, create feelings, capture memories, or imagine different worlds, all without words. As you develop as an artist, you may find that powerful emotions and personal experiences are easier to communicate through your art.

10. Painting Brings People Together (From Date Nights to Corporate Team-Building Activities).
Finally, painting can bring people together, and socializing is always a win for both mental and physical health.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀?
Mushrooms are a fungus. Scientists have identified thousands of species, but only about two dozen are widely accepted for use as food. Some mushrooms have psychedelic compounds (psilocybin) that cause hallucinations or an altered state of consciousness. Many others found in nature — like the “death cap mushroom” — can't be safely consumed.
Unless you're a mushroom expert, stick to your supermarket aisle to avoid poisoning or other side effects. You'll still have plenty of options, though prices vary.
Some mushrooms have a rich umami (savory) taste, making them a good meat substitute. Others feature more delicate, earthy flavors. Button mushrooms, the most common mushrooms in the U.S., have a mild taste.
Other, widely available types include:
Chanterelle, shaped like a trumpet.Cremini (baby Bella), is firm and dark.
Enoki, small white stems with caps.
Maitake, dimpled and spongy.
Oyster, fan-shaped with a thin cap.
Porcini, thick-stemmed with a reddish-brown cap.
Portobello, brown with a thick, large cap.
Shiitake, ivory-colored stem, and a dark brown cap.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺?
Mushrooms contain health-boosting vitamins and minerals, along with protein and fiber. For example, one cup of cremini mushrooms has only 15 calories, but 2 grams of protein and nearly 1 gram of fiber.
Mushrooms also contain compounds (including polysaccharides and sterols) that may help protect your health and prevent disease. Nutrients in mushrooms include:
Selenium: Helps your body make antioxidants to prevent cell damage.Vitamin B6: Supports your nervous system and helps form red blood cells.Riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid: Help carry out several metabolic reactions and are involved in the production of energy
Potassium: Identified in the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as an under-consumed nutrient. Helps muscles contract, assists with fluid balance, and maintains normal blood pressure
Zinc: Supports your immune system and healthy growth in babies and children.
𝟰 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀:
Prescott dives into the exciting world of mushroom research. While research hasn't been extensive and more is certainly needed, some studies have shown that mushrooms may:
1. Boost your immune system
Chronic inflammation (long-term swelling) is associated with heart disease, cancer, and other medical conditions. Mushrooms contain certain antioxidants that help protect your body from stress and prevent or slow cell damage.
Mushrooms also activate substances in your immune system that can enhance its ability to protect you against infection and disease, including the growth of tumor cells. Some research has found a potential link between higher mushroom consumption and lower cancer risk, especially breast cancer.
2. Lower blood pressure
Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte that helps your body control blood pressure. Most Americans don't get enough potassium. Because mushrooms are rich in this mineral, they may help lower high blood pressure (hypertension). They may also reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
3. Support weight loss
Research suggests that a mushroom-rich diet can help you safely lose weight when combined with exercise and healthy lifestyle habits. In one study, people who substituted 20% of their meat consumption with mushrooms showed improved weight loss results.
The flavor of mushrooms may reduce your need for added salt, too, which helps control your blood pressure. Researchers found that substituting mushrooms for half the meat in a ground beef recipe kept the taste but reduced sodium intake by 25%.
4. Supply vitamin D.
Vitamin D2, a type of vitamin D, keeps your bones strong and muscles working properly. Most of our vitamin D comes from animal-based sources, dietary supplements, and good old sunshine. And here's a fun fact: Some mushrooms may have a label that reads “UV-treated” or “rich in vitamin D.” That's because mushrooms contain ergosterol, which turns into vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light.
“These UV-treated mushrooms are enriched for your health,” explains Prescott. “When mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet radiation or even sunlight, the ergosterol transforms into vitamin D. So, you get a high concentration of vitamin D when you eat them, potentially enough to meet 100% of your vitamin D needs for the day.”

Friendships can have a major impact on your health and well-being, but it's not always easy to develop or maintain friendships. Understand the importance of social connection in your life and what you can do to develop and nurture lasting friendships.
What are the benefits of friendships?
Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too. Friends can also:
Increase your sense of belonging and purpose boost your happiness and reduce your stress. Improve your self-confidence and self-worth. Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss, or the death of a loved one. Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise.
Friends also play a significant role in promoting your overall health. Adults with strong social connections have a reduced risk of many significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure, and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI). Studies have found that older adults who have meaningful relationships and social support are likely to live longer than their peers with fewer connections.
Why is it sometimes hard to make friends or maintain friendships?
Many adults find it hard to develop new friendships or keep up existing friendships. Friendships may take a back seat to other priorities, such as work or caring for children or aging parents. You and your friends may have grown apart due to changes in your lives or interests. Or maybe you've moved to a new community and haven't yet found a way to meet people.
Developing and maintaining good friendships takes effort. The enjoyment and comfort friendship can provide, however, makes the investment worthwhile.
What's a healthy number of friends?
Quality counts more than quantity. While it may be good to cultivate a diverse network of friends and acquaintances, you may feel a greater sense of belonging and well-being by nurturing close, meaningful relationships that will support you through thick and thin.
What are some ways to meet new friends?
It's possible to develop friendships with people who are already in your social network. Think through people you've interacted with — even very casually — who made a positive impression.
You may make new friends and nurture existing relationships by:
Staying in touch with people with whom you've worked or taken classesReconnecting with old friends. Reaching out to people you've enjoyed chatting with at social gatherings Introducing yourself to neighbors. Making time to connect with family members
If anyone stands out in your memory as someone you'd like to know better, reach out. Ask mutual friends or acquaintances to share the person's contact information, or — even better — to reintroduce the two of you with a text, email, or in-person visit. Extend an invitation to coffee or lunch.
To meet new people who might become your friends, you have to go to places where others are gathered. Don't limit yourself to one strategy for meeting people. The broader your efforts, the greater your likelihood of success.
Persistence also matters. Take the initiative rather than waiting for invitations to come your way and keep trying. You may need to suggest plans a few times before you can tell if your interest in a new friend is mutual.
For example, try several of these ideas:
Attend community events. Look for groups or clubs that gather around an interest or hobby you share. You may find these groups online, or they may be listed in the newspaper or on community bulletin boards. Many websites help you connect with new friends in your neighborhood or city. Do a Google search using terms such as [your city] + social network, or [your neighborhood] + meet-ups.Volunteer. Offer your time or talents at a hospital, place of worship, museum, community center, charitable group, or, other organization. You can form strong connections when you work with people who have mutual interests. Extend and accept invitations. Invite a friend to join you for coffee or lunch. When you're invited to a social gathering, say yes. Contact someone who recently invited you to an activity and return the favor. Take up a new interest. Take a college or community education course to meet people who have similar interests. Join a class at a local gym, senior center, or community fitness facility.

The joy of playing sports may seem like a young person's game. But why should they have all the fun—not to mention all the health benefits—that can be unlocked by athletics?

According to research conducted at a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Prevention Research Center, older adults can reap an array of rewards from physical activity, ranging from improved physical, emotional and social health scores to a decreased risk of hospitalization.

Thankfully, your athletic glory days don't have to end as you age. In fact, here are some of the best sports and athletic endeavors for older adults to enjoy—along with why they're important and how to participate safely—according to experts, science and data.

Why Staying Active Is Essential.
Exercise is crucial for the mind, body and soul, according to Rachel Tavel, a doctor of physical therapy and Forbes Health Advisory Board member.

“Staying active as we age is incredibly important for a number of mental, physical and emotional reasons,” she says. Participating in sports, whether individually or as part of a club, group or team, is a terrific way to provide a consistent spark of motivation to stay moving. That movement is especially important as we get older and our bodies start losing muscle and bone, says Dr. Tavel.

Fall Risks.
Falls tend to become a more pressing concern as we age, and can lead to debilitating fractures and even catastrophic head injuries that may diminish a person's functional independence and lifestyle, says Dr. Tavel.

To avoid falls while enjoying physical activity, choose your sporting pursuits accordingly. “You want to both challenge the [bodily] systems that prevent falls while also avoiding the increased risk of falling in sports that require fancy or quick footwork, frequent cutting or acceleration and deceleration,” she says.

It's also wise to take basic safety precautions, such as wearing appropriate footwear and choosing activities in public spaces, group settings or any place where potential help is nearby.

Bone Loss.
Both men and women lose bone as they age. Women are especially vulnerable to bone loss after menopause due to a decrease in estrogen, says Dr. Tavel, which makes it even more important for women to participate in activities that help improve bone mineral density.

Pickleball.
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S.—and for good reason. The tennis/ping-pong hybrid sport is fun, fast-paced and highly social, and it can be enjoyed at just about any age or skill level. The “all are welcome” nature of pickleball is a big draw as well—especially for older adults.

Golf.
For millions around the world, golf is much more than a game. It's a refuge, a passion and an indispensable mental health outlet. It's also conduit for meaningful social connectivity.

As a study in the Golf Science Journal found, playing golf is associated with improved physical health and mental well-being, which can potentially contribute to increased life expectancy.

Another nice aspect of golf is that you can choose to walk or ride in a cart, depending on how much exercise or exertion you're after.

It doesn't matter if you're a duffer, terrible putter or serial slicer. The beauty of golf is in spending time outdoors, hitting a few nice shots and getting a bit of exercise, all while enjoying the pleasure of good (and hopefully patient) company.

Swimming.
Swimming is great for cardiovascular health and can be easier on the joints than high-impact sports, as it provides a sense of buoyancy, says Dr. Tavel. However, there is a possible downside.

Eating dessert after dinner is a common practice in the U.S.—from ice cream to cake to cookies and more. Craving something sweet after a savory meal makes sense. Your satisfaction with a certain flavor profile diminishes relatively quickly, and changing flavors, temperature and texture can promote more pleasure and satisfaction from food. But dessert generally gets a bad rap, causing people to feel guilty about eating it regularly.

You may wonder, does eating dessert daily have any significant health consequences? In this article, we'll share the potential health effects of eating dessert regularly.

May Improve Your Relationship with Food.
Granting yourself unconditional permission to eat the foods you enjoy can promote a better relationship with food. If you enjoy dessert, then restricting it will likely only lead you to become preoccupied with it. Patricia Pauyo, M.S., RDN, owner and founder of Pathway Nutrition LLC, says, "All foods fit into a healthy eating pattern—desserts included. The first step to help with this is to give yourself permission to have desserts if and when you want them without feeling guilty for doing so."

When you allow yourself to eat dessert, you can enjoy it and move on with your day. You can have an amount that is satisfying and prevent the harmful cycle of restricting it for days and then inevitably bingeing on it later. Plus, a 2019 study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion shows that allowing yourself unconditional permission to eat through practicing intuitive eating can improve self-esteem while reducing depression and obsessive-compulsive eating.

May Give You a Nutrient Boost
A wide variety of dessert options are available with a wide variety of nutritional profiles. Pauyo says, "Having fruit in your dessert can add antioxidants and fiber to help reduce the risk of diseases and promote gut health. Choosing desserts with nuts and seeds helps add healthy fats and protein, which can be beneficial for brain health. Adding dark chocolate and a variety of spices is also health-promoting due to their anti-inflammatory properties." Furthermore, milk-based hot chocolate or yogurt parfaits are rich in calcium. These are all important nutrients that you can get from certain desserts.

The #1 Comfort Food That's Actually Good for You.
May Increase Your Risk for Fatty Liver Disease
Desserts like ice cream and baked goods are generally pretty high in saturated fat, a contributor to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This condition results from fat accumulating on the liver and is often asymptomatic. However, in some people, it can lead to health complications like cirrhosis. Excess consumption of saturated fat may also put you at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

Nevertheless, more recent research reviews, including a 2020 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, challenge the validity of these claims. That being said, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat to 10% of your energy intake, while the American Heart Association recommends a maximum of 6%. On a 2,000-calorie diet, this translates to 23 or 14 grams per day respectively.

𝗜𝗹𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱
𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲.
In a world often overshadowed by the relentless
pursuit of cures, Hospice Care stands as a beacon of compassion. It is not a
surrender to the inevitability of life's end but a celebration of the human
spirit, a commitment to illuminate lives with dignity, hope, and love during
the most profound of journeys.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿.
At the heart of Hospice Care is a team of dedicated
professionals who become a comforting presence in the lives of patients and
their families. From doctors and nurses to social workers and spiritual
counselors, these compassionate souls work together to address the physical,
emotional, and spiritual needs of those under their care...👉 A new article has been published on our website: https://mdchoicehospice.com/ To learn more about our services, visit 👉 Link in Bio

Spending the day fishing with your family in the great outdoors can be a fantastic way to create lifelong memories, but did you know that fishing can offer quite a few health benefits too? Check out five reasons why fishing is good for your health, including one or two reasons that might surprise you.
𝟭. 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗡 𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧.
One of the best sources of vitamin D is natural sunlight. Vitamin D is important because it helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are two minerals that contribute to immune system function and help fight against disease. Among the many benefits of fishing is the fact that you're soaking up vitamin D from the sunlight on every fishing trip you take.
𝟮. 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗫𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚.
Spending time out in nature promotes relaxation and offers many of the same benefits that meditation does, such as reduced blood pressure and decreased anxiety. In fact, studies have shown that fishing is good for your mental health because it can lower your cortisol levels (your body's main stress hormone). The benefits of fishing for mental health can last for up to three weeks after a fishing trip. Beyond the rewards of relaxation, family fishing trips also give you the opportunity to bond over the thrill of a catch while taking a break from cell phones and electronic devices.
𝟯. 𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘.
You don't usually drop a line in the water and catch a fish right away. Some days the bite can be slow and challenging, but when you persist through those slow periods, the experience makes you a more patient person. Learning patience through fishing is good for your mental health because it can encourage you to be calmer and more content.
𝟰. 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗥 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛.
Is fishing good for your health from a cardiovascular standpoint? Absolutely, fishing can burn an average of 200 calories per hour, depending on the type of fishing you choose to do. This might not hold true if you sit in a chair on the beach with your rod in a sand spike rod holder next to you, but if you walk around to different fishing spots while consistently casting out a line, you are burning calories and putting your heart to work.
𝟱. 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗦.
If you have a fishing license and the fish you catch are within the regulations, you may want to prepare one or two fillets for dinner. Certain fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild Alaskan salmon or halibut, which can reduce the risk of stroke and decrease blood pressure. Another one of the many reasons why people like fishing is because it feels so rewarding to prepare a healthy meal from fresh fish that you just caught.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲: 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
𝗘𝗻𝗱-𝗼𝗳-𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
In our fast-paced world, where technology and
innovation continuously redefines our lives, it's heartening to see the
healthcare industry also adapting and evolving to provide better end-of-life
care. Hospice care, traditionally associated with providing comfort and support
to terminally ill patients, is undergoing a remarkable transformation,
combining innovation and compassion to redefine end-of-life comfort.

𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱
𝗦𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
One of the most significant innovations in hospice
care is the integration of cutting-edge technology to manage pain and symptoms
effectively. With the use of advanced pain management techniques, patients can
experience less suffering, allowing them to spend their final days with a
higher quality of life...👉 A new article has been published on our website: https://mdchoicehospice.com/ To learn more about our services, visit 👉 Link in Bio

Now more than ever, online learning is empowering older adults to continue their education, dive into their interests, or learn something completely new. When it comes to online learning for seniors, there are a variety of benefits and the options for the types of courses to choose from are truly limitless.

Don't let the infinite possibilities of online learning leave you confused about where to start. Below is a list of key things to know about online learning for seniors, including the current landscape of seniors and technology, the top benefits of online learning, and the best free online classes for seniors.

Seniors And Technology
Due in part to the pandemic, seniors started using the internet more with 81% of seniors reporting that they use the web daily.

Whether it's connecting with loved ones via Facetime or hopping on telemedicine calls with their doctor, seniors are tackling technology and using online tools to better their lives and explore their passions.
How Seniors Are Using Technology:
Exercise. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused people to reconsider the use of gyms for exercise. As a result, it's no surprise that more seniors are taking advantage of online health classes and workouts. In fact, three in 10 seniors think online health activities could replace, or at least supplement, going to the gym.
Connecting with family. Tools like Facetime and Zoom have allowed older adults to stay in touch with family from afar. The use of daily video calls for seniors has increased from 16% in 2016 to 38% today.
Improving their daily lives. When tasks like getting groceries or going to the doctor became more difficult, seniors were quick to adapt. In the past year, the number of people 50+ ordering groceries online grew from 6% to 24%. Technology use for personal health increased from 28% to 40% for activities like telehealth visits.
Finding new hobbies and entertainment. Retirement provides the perfect opportunity to spend time on current interests and discover new ones. From ebooks and audiobooks to instructional courses on hobbies like knitting and cooking, the possibilities for entertainment online are endless.
Rapid advances in technology are also carving a pathway for older adults to improve and learn new skills. Seniors are more connected to technology than ever before, allowing them to embrace new tech and a wide range of benefits.
The Benefits Of Online Learning For Seniors
It Fits Your Schedule
From a desktop to a tablet or even your mobile device, you can log into a virtual class wherever you can access the internet or your downloaded applications.

Most online classes have a schedule outlining the course overview and what to expect. While providing structure, this also provides flexibility in determining when you want to tune in, study, and do coursework. Many online classes are pre-recorded and therefore can be self-paced, giving extra freedom to fit a course into your schedule.
It Offers Social Opportunities
School is one of the best places to make friends and that's still true with online classes. While virtual learning is remote, it still provides opportunities to connect with others who have similar interests.

With more seniors becoming tech-savvy, there are new ways to collaborate with others and meet new, like-minded people. Here are a few places online where you can meet new friends on the digital playground:

Study forums.
Interactive classes with video streaming.
Online group projects, like virtual volunteering.
Virtual book clubs.
It Supports Cognitive Function
The brain behaves like a muscle, which means to keep it strong and healthy, you need to keep it engaged — and challenged — regularly. Learning something new or sharpening old skills through an online course are great ways to preserve and even strengthen cognitive function.

Related: Technology Trends That Are Assisting Seniors

6 Best Free Online Courses For Seniors
A quick internet search of courses in your desired subject will bring up a variety of options for you to choose from. You'll notice that most of the virtual learning options for seniors don't take the form of a traditional Many outlets are experimenting with ways to engage seniors in online learning. Community colleges, universities, workshop providers, and nonprofit organizations are tapping into the online adult education marketplace. Here are a few of the best free online classes for seniors:

1. University Courses
Universities across the country offer courses taught by experts in the field. If you are looking to pursue a formal degree or take an accredited course, this option may make sense for you. While some classes with a live instructor take place over a typical college semester, others, like courses through HarvardX, are self-paced (and free!). Other hubs offering free online classes for seniors can be found at Class Central and Coursera.

2. Online Courses
You don't need to be admitted into a university to learn new skills. Nonprofit educational organizations like Senior Planet (sponsored by AARP) offer a menu of online classes from art to writing. Learn at your speed with recorded or live instructional video seminars.

3. Virtual Fitness Classes Or Apps
If you're looking to kickstart healthy habits, you have options to choose from. Fitness apps are ever-evolving, and more apps are catering to the 50+ marketplace. Flip50 is an app designed for those 50 and older that provides users with access to gyms nationwide, wellness plans, discounts on massage, acupuncture, and other therapies, and more.

4. TEDTalks
Since the early 1980s, TEDTalks videos have provided expert insight into a variety of topics. The best part? All videos are under 18 minutes, meaning you can gain new knowledge or perspective without the in-depth nature of a class.

5. eBooks and Audiobooks
There are a variety of eBook and audiobook platforms that offer the opportunity to learn more about a topic of interest. Self-help books, autobiographies biographies, and non-fiction literature are all great places to start if you're looking to read up on a topic. Older adults who are vision-impaired may be eligible for the National Library Services' free braille and talking book library service.

6. Local Business Seminars
From the public library to the yoga studio, refer to the websites and social pages of local businesses in your area to see what sort of online educational classes, events, or seminars they may be hosting. These events are often free or of minimal charge and are a great opportunity to support the small businesses around you.

Whether you're looking for a how-to course on publishing a novel, curious about the Revolutionary War, or interested in learning how to maintain optimal health as you age, the world of online learning is vast. Picking up new knowledge or adding a unique skill to your arsenal is great for social engagement, life purpose, brain health, and more.