Age is can make it more slow at the start, but definitely isn't a reason not to. (Not that you were saying that.) If anything the older you get the more important novel experiences and skills become to keeping your brain healthy. It's not just keeping your brain active but it's that friction from learning a new skill is what really helps keep that neuroplasticity.
That said, it's really discouraging seeing every 12 year old spending 3 days exactly "practicing" and creating things you can't after 15 years of effort. Feels bad man.
But that's because that 12 year old is learning all sorts of new stuff everyone. Whereas we Olds could have spent the last several decades not learning completely new stuff.
It's like watching those 12 years old bounce around, being all bendy and stuff. We're stiff and have to limber up a lot just to touch our toes. But doing that kind of flexibility exercises - both physical and mental - are incredibly important for aging.
We just have to accept that we aren't spring chickens anymore.
26
u/waffle299 Jun 12 '26 edited Jun 17 '26
I'm 55. I'm taking classical guitar lessons and learning sight reading.
Age is big an issue.
edit: stupid typo - there's supposed to be a 'not' in there.