The Whole Reason for Lifelong Learning

Dr. Michael Merzenic, of the Keck Center for Integrative Neurosciences, believes that to keep our brains in tip-top performance condition, we must continue to master new skills. He has this to say about the importance of lifelong learning:

"People can be active learners by learning in new forms and in new domains. It's not just being active and getting up every day. The brain is a learning machine, and it needs to be engaged in new learning of different dimensions. The best kinds of exercise are those that challenge. For example, to master a musical instrument at an older age is a wonderful thing. Or, seriously undertaking the mastery of a second language is a wonderful thing to do. One of the problems with such exercises is that it's very hard to maintain the skills and abilities necessary to maintain a mental fitness program. "

Washington Post Express features Homebuying 101 Teachers

Today's April 18th issue of the Washington Post Express features an interview with First Class Inc.'s "Smart Homebuying" instructors, Sasha Mehra and Noreen Qureshi. You can get a quick overview of their class and 6-7 homebuying pointers just from a quick glance at the article!

Check out The Washingon Post Express on Tuesday, April 10

On Tuesday, April 10, the Washington Post Express newspaper will feature an interview with Carolyn Allen who credited two specific classes at First Class Inc. as being pivotal to her career success. The two classes that she attended were: Dan Poynter's "How to Publish Your Nonfiction Book" and Sally Strackbein's "Magnetize Your Website." Carolyn is the author of the book, 60 Seconds to Weight Loss Success!

Know-tox: Lifelong Learning as the Fountain of Youth!

I always knew that learning a new skill increased the number of brain synapses--which in effect made you a smarter individual. But, the following except from an article by Gabby Hyman entitled "Ongoing Learning Increases Longevity" adds much more credence to the idea that learning keeps you young!

"Education may be the long-sought-after fountain of youth. After decades of studies, researchers continue to find that those who keep their minds engaged in active education live longer and stave off the ravages of aging, such as memory loss and lethargy. The New York Times recently reported that having money or good health insurance "paled in comparison" to education as a crucial factor in graceful aging. "If you were to ask me what affects health and longevity," said City University of New York researcher Michael Grossman, "I would put education at the top of my list."

"Comprehensive studies on the effects of ongoing learning on aging have been conducted for decades, and more recent studies by researchers called "health economists" only seem to support the contentions of 3rd Century BC philosopher, Aristotle, "Education is the best provision for old age."