Smart seniors know learning and indulging passions are important as we age, allowing us to socialize and keep our minds agile. In fact, lifelong learning improves your brain function and its ability to cope with stress and challenges, and, now, there are so many online options.
Check out our list of recommended websites where seniors (and learners of all ages) exercise their minds and tap into their interests through thousands of classes, virtual learning programs and webinars.
Go back to university (for free)
Founded by the people at Harvard and MIT, edX offers thousands of free online courses from 140 top educational institutions. Take tutorials and webinars to brush up on your Spanish, learn about robotics, study Shakespeare and superheroes, analyze Beethoven’s use of string quartets — the list of courses is remarkable.
- Find similar variety at Coursera, with options for paid courses towards a degree or certificate as well as free learning. The latter has included classes such as “Seeing Through Photographs” (Museum of Modern Art), “Successful Negotiation: Essential Skills and Strategies” (University of Michigan), and “The Science of Well-Being” (Yale).
- At Khan Academy, you can choose from another assortment of free online courses in world history, computer animation (from Disney’s famous Pixar animation studio, no less), finance and tons more.
Take online classes to build your passion into a skillset
There’s something fundamentally soothing about watching someone cook whether you’re preparing food or deepening your appreciation for your next meal.
- The New York Times offers free cooking guide videos.
- At TheKitchn.com, you can tackle 20 free virtual lessons in 20 days, each highlighting a different technique or type of ingredient, from braising to beans.
- At Rouxbe.com, you can watch short free video tutorials about cooking and baking techniques, or get lessons on everything from proper knife sharpening technique to making fresh pasta.
Learn how to improve your craft from a master
Build on skills you have or find out more about a topic of interest from a fascinating new mentor — maybe even one you've been looking up to for years.
- MasterClass is a paid, premium service (the annual membership ranges in price from $156 to $324) that gives you unlimited access to quality online classes and video tutorials from experts at the top of their game. Learn about filmmaking from Martin Scorsese, magic from Penn & Teller, creativity and leadership from Anna Wintour, photography from Annie Leibovitz, space exploration from Chris Hadfield, conservation from Dr. Jane Goodall, or creative writing from Margaret Atwood. Each class is about 10 minutes long and the average program has 20 classes.
- Another alternative is at Workshop, which offers video seminars for a small fee on topics such as cake design, colour theory, woodworking, calligraphy, Chinese dumplings and more from various British experts and organizations such as Devon Cooking School and London Fine Art Studios.
Upgrade your tech skills and keep up with your grandkids
If you’d like to go beyond the basics, or deepen your understanding to improve your use of technology, there are free videos to help you better use your personal computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Visit GCF LearnFree to access free short videos on topics such as using Gmail, online safety, and tutorials on smartphone and tablet features.
- Tech Life Unity has more than 100 free courses, which are ideal for seniors. Discover step-by-step tutorials about texting, passwords and internet safety as well as info on accessing popular sites such as GroupOn (discounts on experiences), YouTube (videos), Overdrive (books) and many others.
Get hands on with virtual learning you can use
Try these online tutorials to build on skills you already have or learn something new.
- Figure out a particular sewing technique at Made to Sew’s video channel.
- Browse Skillshare for thousands of video classes on various topics: caring for houseplants, photo composition, piano basics, watercolour painting, woodworking, crocheting, leathercrafting, and more.
- Dip into the free and paid online courses from the Berklee College of Music, with topics including songwriting, guitar for beginners, music for wellness, and jazz improvisation.
Indulging in passions and learning has never been easier.
Find out more about how you can chase your passions in senior living. Book a tour at Amica to learn about living on your own terms in an elegant Amica residence with exceptional dining, amenities, activities, personalized care, and more.