Starting out with something new such as learning a language, taking up a new hobby or doing a course at work or college can be daunting. But did you know it can significantly improve your health and wellbeing, and even boost your brain, making it less susceptible to damage or disease later in life?
That’s according to Bupa’s Lead Behavioural Insights Specialist, Rex Fan.
Rex says: “Our brains have the capacity to learn at any age. Keeping ourselves mentally challenged is crucial for building brain capacity and cognitive reserve, also known as neuroplasticity.
“This is because learning new skills strengthens and builds the neurological pathways in our brains. So when we get an injury our neurons are better able to adapt and compensate by forming new connections, in turn aiding recovery or even lowering the risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s.
“Learning something new can also release dopamine, helping you feel happier, and it can even make you better at coping with the many tasks and responsibilities that we all juggle in our day to day lives.
“Our brain is like a muscle so the more challenging the better, helping build strength that directly impacts your brain and mind.”
It’s never too late to learn
This comes as Bupa research shows that 24% of people want to learn alongside working, but 26% think they’re too old to learn new things and 22% worry that they wouldn’t be able to learn something new.
However, 35% of people admit they want a new challenge at work, and 25% long for a career which is more worthwhile, such as in the health, social care or dentistry fields.
Bupa’s Chief People Officer, Rebecca Pearson says: “The benefits of learning really cannot be overstated – at any age. Starting an apprenticeship is a great opportunity to get on the path to learning something new while fulfilling your career ambitions, plus you’ll be boosting your health and wellbeing at the same time.
“Taking on learning a new skill can be a huge and often daunting moment but it doesn’t always have to be. It’s never too late to make a change, and an apprenticeship can be a great option as you can ‘earn as you learn’ and have a qualification and a job at the end of it.”
Learn more about Bupa apprenticeships here: https://careers.bupa.co.uk/our-apprenticeships
