Seniors who have a lifelong love of learning may know just where to turn to pick up new knowledge and skills. Perhaps you've been collecting books for this season of life or have hobby supplies stored away in bins ready to come out for practice.

However, if you like the idea of learning new things but aren't sure where to start, consider these seven fun and surprising things you can learn as an older adult.

1. Learn a New Language

Learning and practicing a new language puts various parts of your brain to work, which can be good for greasing those cognitive wheels. Even basic skills in another language can open doors when it comes to travel opportunities or making new friends.

Practice makes perfect, but the key to learning a new language later in life is not worrying about perfection. Find ways to make regular practice fun, such as downloading language-learning apps like Duolingo. You can also look for local language meetups to practice your conversational skills in person.

2. Build Some Computer Coding Skills

Older adults are increasingly embracing technology, especially when it comes to day-to-day activities such as chatting with family members or keeping up with bank account balances via apps. You can dig deeper into modern technology by learning about the coding it runs on.

If you're interested in building a website, automating tasks or even creating your own games, consider learning to code. Even if you don't have any specific aspirations, gaining knowledge about computer coding can help you better understand how the technology you might now rely on works.

You can take some free computer and coding classes online via providers such as Khan Academy or Codecademy.

3. Practice Playing Music

Have you always wanted to play a musical instrument, or do you want to revisit the piano lessons you took in your youth? Learning and practicing a musical instrument has numerous potential benefits for older adults, including positive impacts on coordination, focus and memory.

The internet makes learning about music or musical instruments easier than ever. Free YouTube videos can teach you to play almost any instrument, including harmonicas, keyboards/pianos, guitars and ukuleles. You can also download apps like Simply Piano for access to interactive courses and tutorials.

You can find affordable options online or in local stores if you don't already have an instrument. Prices for beginner keyboards and ukuleles are often under $200 — you might even find options under $100 — and you can buy a harmonica for much less. Consider checking Facebook Marketplace and other secondhand channels for gently used instruments someone might be selling in your area.

4. Explore the Greater Universe Via Astronomy

If you love exploring the enormity of the world around you, astronomy is a great topic for learning. Stargazing is free, but you may have to stay up late to ensure optimal views of the sky. You can download the SkyView app to help you make sense of what you see in the heavens above.

NASA also provides free online learning resources, including image galleries, videos and articles, to help you explore this subject from the comfort of your home.

5. Get Into Acting or Stand-Up Comedy

Put your dramatic side to work by learning skills like acting, voice acting or stand-up comedy. You can find online classes related to the stage arts from sites like MasterClass. Consider looking into local theater groups and how you can support and participate in community shows.

If you're a resident in an independent living or assisted living community, talk to other residents and the staff about putting on shows. Invite everyone to show up with their own skills for a talent show, or gather a group of other seniors and stage a production of your favorite play.

6. Perfect Your Hand-Lettering Skills

For older adults who want to build a skill that involves less time on stage — and fewer people all around — calligraphy may be an ideal hobby to start. You can find hand lettering and calligraphy supplies and instructional books at craft stores and major department stores, and you can follow along with YouTube videos teaching this skill.

You do need to make an initial investment in some brush pens and paper — consider buying a few high-quality brush pens from brands like Tombow to reduce frustrations and enhance outcomes as you practice. Soon, you'll be adding gorgeous hand-lettered flourishes to greeting cards, decor pieces or your private journal.

7. Start a Podcast to Share Your Knowledge

Streaming service Spotify provides Creators tools that make it easy to slip into the world of podcasting. If you have stories to tell, wisdom to share or ideas to discuss, consider launching a podcast and connecting with your target listeners.

It's never too late to learn, so consider what skills and knowledge you want to gain today. All you need is an internet connection or a library card to get started!

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