Home Front Magazine A Publication for Seniors
By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist
Curiosity is defined as a strong desire to know something. It is that nagging feeling which drives us to seek out information. Children are naturally curious. They think about everything. They ask questions over and over again without worrying about looking foolish.
As we get older, many of us lose our desire to learn new things. We are busy handling the issues in our day-to-day lives and there is not a lot of time left for new interests. We feel the pressures of adult problems and the seriousness of our lives. Not allowing ourselves to day dream and ask questions, pushes aside our spirit of wonder. What is the cost of suppressing that naturally inquisitive part of us?
Lifelong learning is important for all ages and an essential ingredient for happiness as we grow older. Learning doesn’t necessarily have to mean a huge commitment. You don’t have to take a class or sign up for an expensive program to stimulate your brain. You could just take a few minutes out of your day reading up on a particular topic or engaging in new activities.
The key is to choose what works for you. The important step is to begin to tune in again to what interests you. Every day each of us are exposed to something that makes us think, “Hmm, I wonder what that is.” “How does that work?” Instead of it just stopping there, take the next step and try to answer these questions. Just by googling something you are confused about, can result in new knowledge and a way to tap in to that inquisitive place inside.
Once you start noticing the daily opportunities for learning that spring up all around you, you will begin to yearn for more ways to foster your curiosity. I often think of my mother and her constant love of learning. We were a family of eight and my mom was the one who cooked all of our meals growing up. She was always trying new recipes and seeking out novel ways to prepare dinners. After we all moved out and my father died, my mother lived by herself in our childhood home. She still clipped cooking ideas from the newspaper and tried new recipes every day. She loved the idea of trying new foods even though she was only cooking for herself. It was the excitement of “what could be” that motivated her.
Find what excites you and give it the time it deserves. Curiosity promotes a positive attitude and will give you something to look forward to each day. Tap into that feeling of new beginnings you had when you were younger by starting something new in your life. Is doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, start small. What gives you joy? What have you always wanted to try? There are so many possibilities out there just waiting for you. You are never too old to learn and curiosity is an important way to nourish a more youthful outlook on life.
Cynthia Lopinto
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- Hawaiian Plants For Good Health - April 2, 2018
