6. Learning multiple skills simultaneously
Each factor is worthy of analysis, but the last finding surprised and interested me. It appears that people may learn better when tackling multiple new skills at once.
In the study, adults over age 55 tasked with taking on three new skills, “not only acquired proficiency in these areas but improved their cognitive functioning overall, including working and episodic memory.”
I have enjoyed being a serial neophyte over the past decade and more. I took up stand-up paddle boarding when I was past the half-century mark, though now I sometimes lack the strength to drag the board to the beach and through the surf. I returned to fencing for a season after nearly 40 years, though it was hard on my knees. This has led to a new practice of yoga, where my mountain pose is surpassed only by an excellent Shavasana.