Just one in three 18–25-year-olds are able to do basic DIY, compared to two-thirds of those aged 58 and over, according to a new survey by leading not-for-profit care home provider Sanctuary Care. Map reading, growing fruit and veg and basic car maintenance, such as changing a tyre are also more common skills amongst the Boomer generation.
When asked at what age they thought developing new skills becomes “difficult”, Gen Z respondents said 35 years, whilst respondents aged over 58 put this figure at 63 years old.
Care home provider Sanctuary Care has launched a nationwide initiative to turn care on its head by empowering elderly residents to harness existing pastimes and skills to play an active role in how their care is delivered.
Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, Chief Operating Officer – Sanctuary Care, said: “The survey findings are so interesting as they highlight a very common misconception associated with ‘getting old’.
“The belief that there is a cut-off point in life for learning new skills and feeling that sense of achievement. But we know that this is just not the case. The benefits in continuing to enjoy life-long pastimes, as well as developing new talents as we grow older are vast – both physically and mentally.
“This can help build a real sense of achievement and purpose as we age, which our academic research has shown is fundamental for living a fulfilled, content and enriched life.”
Neuroscientist and author, Dr Julia Jones, said: “We underestimate the capability of our brain to continue learning. Our brain is the most complex and sophisticated structure in the known universe and yet we only use a fraction of its true potential throughout our lifetimes.
“To boost continued brain health we should be learning complex, novel skills at all ages.
“This becomes more important as we age because these learning experiences help to build new connections between neurons that maintain cognitive reserve and reduce the risk of future brain degeneration. This effect is known as positive neuroplasticity.
“Learning languages and musical instruments are believed to be the most effective at boosting neuroplasticity due to their complex nature, but all learning is beneficial, and can bring a sense of achievement, purpose, and social engagement. I often meet people who believe they are “too old” and quote the saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”… This is a myth and it’s time to bust it.”
Dr Jones added: “Find a new hobby and throw yourself into a wonderful learning experience or pick up an old pastime and improve those skills. I’m currently teaching my brain to play lead guitar like Jimi Hendrix and it’s opened up a whole new world of music and fun.”
