December 23, 2020

Where to Learn Stuff

Girl With Pencil in Mouth
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

When it comes to learning the Internet has been a miracle.  It is like all the world’s learning institutions are available through your computer screen.  You have access to more knowledge than any world leader or wealthy individual did just a few decades ago.

There is so much out there you need a plan.  What are you trying to accomplish?  Are you looking to just learn a skill?  Do you want a new career? Do you want to begin a new hobby?  Or do you just enjoy learning new things?

One approach might be to make your plan based on your goals.  Then browse through the course offerings at the various sites and make a list of possibilities.  Finally drill down and research each course.  Is the course relevant? How old is it and when was it last updated?  Can you ask questions of the instructor?  Are there reviews from fellow students?

Many of the available courses are free.  Others can be more expensive.  My advice would be to see what the free and low-cost courses offer first.  Then when you know exactly what you want the more expensive options might make sense.

Here is just a partial list to get you started.  Good Luck!

Alison https://alison.com/

Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative https://oli.cmu.edu/

Code https://code.org/

Codecademy https://www.codecademy.com/

Coursera https://www.coursera.org/

Dash General Assembly – Learn to Code https://dash.generalassemb.ly/

edX https://www.edx.org/

Fast Company 30 Second MBA https://www.fastcompany.com/user/30-second-mba

FutureLearn https://www.futurelearn.com

GCF Global https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/

Harvard Extension https://www.extension.harvard.edu/

iTunes U http://www.open.edu/itunes/

Kadenze https://www.kadenze.com/

Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/

MemRise https://www.memrise.com/

MIT Open Courseware https://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm

OpenLearn https://www.open.edu/openlearn/

Open Learning Initiative https://oli.cmu.edu/

Open Yale Courses https://oyc.yale.edu/

Stanford Online https://online.stanford.edu/

Udacity https://www.udacity.com/

Udemy https://www.udemy.com/

U of Berkley Class Central https://www.classcentral.com/university/berkeley

University of the People https://www.uopeople.edu/

Filed Under: Learning, Personal Development, Things To Do Leave a Comment
December 11, 2020

Keep Your Brain Sharp

Use Your Brain sign
Photo by Jesse Martini on Unsplash

Keeping your brain sharp is a subject that keeps popping up in the media.  While it makes sense at any age it especially applies as we age.  It is one of those things we all know we should do something about, but we all know we don’t always do as we should!

I’m not a medical professional so don’t take anything in this article as medical advice but there do seem to be some common themes.  And I’ll throw in a few ideas of my own simply because I think they make sense at any age.

Keep Moving and Get Enough Sleep

Exercise and sleep seem to be important and this just makes sense at any age.  It seems that even a small boost in physical activity is helpful.

Eating Right, Not Smoking, Limited Alcohol

Again, this seems to make sense at any age.  The Mediterranean diet is mentioned quite a bit, so investigate it.  There is tons of information about the diet on the Internet.

Use Your Brain

It seems that a variety of thinking activities is helpful.  In other words don’t do the same things all the time.  Having a hobby is great, but having multiple interests is probably better.

Here are some ideas:

Read Hard Books

If you always read one kind of book try another kind.  Maybe if you always read novels try Histories or Biographies.  And of course, if you spend too much time in front of the TV try to do some reading instead.

Think About Something Hard

I would include things like taking a class in something you know little about in this category.  Doing puzzles or learning new games would fit here too.

Learn a Language

I read somewhere that learning a new language uses parts of your brain that are not usually used.  It is worth a try and is a cool thing to do anyway.

Get a Pet

There is lots of evidence that having a pet is good for you both physically, and psychologically. You do have to be a little practical.  Pets are work and present complications if you want to travel.  I love big dogs but adopting a St Bernard when I’m 90 might not make sense unless I have help!

Do a Craft

This is especially useful if crafts are something you don’t do all the time.

Build Something

A lot of things would fit under this.  The idea is to design and build something new!

Write an Article

Or write a few articles and start a blog.  Pick a subject or cause you care about.  Writing articles can help your brain and give your life some purpose – also a good thing!

Write a Book

Why not go all out a write a whole book?  It’s a big commitment but today’s self-publishing opportunities make it possible.  There is a reason you see those smart and very “with it” older authors being interviewed on TV.

Learn to Paint

If you’re a logical and almost too organized thinker, why not try your hand at art.  It does not matter if you are any good.  What matters is you are exercising another part of your brain.

I’m sure you can think of many more examples and just the act of thinking about them is probably good for you.  Give it a try!  You have nothing to lose but your mind! (Sorry for a poor taste joke!)

Filed Under: Health, Personal Development, Things To Do Leave a Comment
December 4, 2020

Age Doesn’t Matter Online

Computer Screens
Photo by Piotr Wilk on Unsplash

Age doesn’t matter when you are online.  It’s one of those obvious truths that somehow hit me between the eyes recently. If you are wondering how you can stay productive as you age look to the online possibilities.

You can do many online activities in your 60s, 70s, 80s, or beyond!

It’s the ultimate never retire strategy.

Basics First

If the whole online scene seems a little foreign to you let’s take a look at some basic skills.

Can you use a browser?  The online world exists in browsers so get to know your browser and search engines.  It does not matter if you use Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari.  Learn how to get the most out of your browser.

You need to write.  That means a word processor.  You can use Microsoft Word (subscription based,) Google Docs (free,) or Libre Office (also free.)

Spreadsheets aren’t just for financial gurus.  Besides keeping track of money matters you can use them to track almost anything.

Want to reach the world through the Internet?  That usually means a Website.  While there are lots of web site builders out there it might pay to learn WordPress.  WordPress is used by at least 30% of all websites on the Internet, far more than any other tool.  Learning WordPress is not too difficult and there is lots of help on the Internet.

So how will you stay productive?

Spread your message, whatever it is…

Your own website or blog can be your speaker to the world.  Whether you are sharing your hobby or ideas, a website or blog can be your way to share with the world.

You can learn stuff

There are thousands of ways to learn new things online.  Many sources are free and many others are quite reasonable.

My personal favorite right now is Udemy.  Many courses go on sale for about $10, and I’ve found most to be high quality.  A rating system lets you know what others think of the courses.  One great thing about online video courses is you can go back and re-watch anything that is not clear.  Give online learning a try!

You can keep working or start a business

There are many jobs that you can do remotely.  The interview is online.  The work is online.  The social interactions are online.  I am writing this during the great pandemic of 2020.  One of the lessons learned is that much work can be done remotely.  And in many cases no one really knows or cares how old you are if you can do the work.

You can start a business online and no one knows or cares about your age.  Your customer cares that you can deliver the goods!

Some businesses are close to regular jobs, but you work for yourself.  Here are some examples:

Freelance writer

Content is everywhere on the web and there is always demand for more content.

Web Developer

Once you learn how to build your own WordPress websites you can build them for others.  From there as you learn more technical skills the sky is the limit.

Virtual Assistant

As its name implies a virtual assistant works “virtually.”  Once you learn some basic skills you can use them to perform work for small businesses and busy entrepreneurs.

Next you have a whole assortment of business opportunities.  Here are just a few ideas:

Sell Stuff

You can start with all that extra stuff you have sitting around the house and maybe graduate to buying stuff and reselling the items at a profit.  What comes to mind are those that buy antiques or similar items at yard sales and then sell them online for a profit.

Book Publisher

If you like to write why not publish your own book?  Self-publishing through Amazon is becoming very common.  You can earn royalties and possibly establish yourself as an expert, which can lead to all kinds of side businesses as a coach or consultant.  And it can all be done remotely.  Or maybe you can have others write the books and you market them.  Others are doing it and again nobody knows or cares about your age.

Sell Your Photos

If you like photography and are good there are ways to sell the rights to use your photos online.  Like writing, the Internet thrives on good photography.

As you can see there are opportunities all over the Internet and age is not a factor.  You are limited only by your enthusiasm, work ethic, and imagination.

Filed Under: Business, General, Money Stuff, Personal Development, Things To Do, Work Leave a Comment