Primetime Living 11.26.25 - Flipbook - Page 6
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A Special Advertising Section of Baltimore Sun Media Group | Wednesday, November 26, 2025
LIFESTYLE
Learn
Something New
Stretch your brain to
keep you young
By Margit B. Weisgal, Contributing Writer
E
very article about the aging process – including this one – points out the need to
have a brain that is functional, one that is challenged through creating new pathways
that keep us active and can stave off dementia. Thus, the question each of us is faced
with is “What can I do that challenges me and that I will enjoy?”
The possibilities are endless. Think
about how much time you can commit
to learning whatever you decide on. Is
it once a week? Several times a week?
Do you want to complete the topic in a
month? Three months? Or six months?
A side benefit is you’ll probably meet
new people who will share your enjoyment.
You can describe what you want to
learn in basic categories: One is creative, and the other is practical. All of
them fall under the heading of education or learning. Does one appeal to you
more than the other? Or maybe there’s
something you’ve always wanted to
learn or take up but haven’t had time
for in the past.
No matter what you select, it should
be something you look forward to and
are exited try. Depending on when you
plan to venture into a new skill or hobby,
is it something that is appropriate for
that time of year? For instance, if gardening is your chosen skill set, use the
winter months to learn what you need
to do for the spring. (Note: I prepped
my tiny plot for new plants one winter
using the lasagna method: cardboard,
compost, and mulch. It worked incredibly well.) While it was marinating, I
started reading up on plants and herbs
and perennials.
What follows are some ideas for both
creative and practical learning, along
with a few websites that have lots of
options, more than will fit in this space.
What is not included are places where
you can volunteer. All non-profits would
gladly accept your offer to contribute
your time. One friend spent time at a
library that sold used books. She would
go in a couple times a week to sort the
books alphabetically. She ended up
buying some books after each shift.
So, read on.
• Most recommendation lists on
stretching your brain begin with
“Learn a new language.” So, let’s
start there. It will challenge you
in many ways. Indeed, you can
use your lessons as a jumping off
point prior to visiting a new country
where it’s the preferred language.
Maybe there is a writer you’ve
always admired, and you want
to read her books in her native
tongue. Maybe you’re still working
and the language could help you
get a raise or make you eligible for
a more interesting job, one where
you get to travel. Check out these
two websites:
• Rocket Languages: www.rocketlanguages.com. It has lessons to
learn 14 languages.
• DuoLingo
(www.duolingo.com/
courses) has around 40 languages available for FREE for English
speakers.
Working with Yarns and Fibers
Perhaps you want to be more
creative or do something with your
hands. Knitting and crocheting will last
a lifetime. Lovely Yarns (www.lovelyarns.com), located on Falls Road in
Hampden, and Black Sheep Yarn Shop
(www.blacksheepyarnshop.com) on
Deerco Road in Timonium, have a wide
array of yarns and products for weaving
and spinning, both for supplies and
classes in addition to knitting and crocheting. You’ll meet fellow aficionados
when you take classes and, often, you
can just drop by and work on a project.
Rosey Grier, the former football player,
loved to knit, so this is good for everyone.
Home Maintenance
Basic home repairs is another set of
skills that you’ll always be able to use.
Visit DIY Pete (www.diypete.com) who
will walk you through some basic home
repairs. Or go to HomeMade Modern
(www.homemade-modern.com)
for
“DIY projects for affordable modern
home furnishings.”
A website with lots of options is
www.developgoodhabits.com/newskills-to-learn. It recommends Ted’s
Woodworking course: www.developgoodhabits.com/teds-woodworking.
