In today’s fast-paced world, staying youthful, inspired, and connected can be challenging. With the global wellness industry valued at $6.32 trillion in 2023 and projected to reach $8.99 trillion by 2028¹, many are turning to wellness trends to maintain a sense of youth. In the UK, 80% of people spend an average of £1,200 annually on beauty treatments², highlighting the growing reliance on wellness and beauty trends to feel youthful. But beauty is only skin deep - what are people doing to feel young on the inside?
The Science Behind Lifelong Learning and Staying Youthful
A recent study by Scientific American³ suggests that continued learning can play a transformative role in improving cognitive function. The study revealed that when adults aged 58 to 83 participated in a 3-month learning intervention, including activities like language studies and music composition, their memory and attention improved so significantly that they resembled those of adults 30 years younger by the end of the programme.
This aligns with findings from Northwestern University’s research⁴ on "SuperAgers," individuals in their 80s with cognitive abilities comparable to those of people in middle age. These SuperAgers share habits like exercising, eating well, and most importantly, challenging themselves mentally through new and stimulating activities. These studies underscore the power of lifelong learning - not just as a way to stay sharp, but as a tool to stay truly youthful, vibrant, and engaged.
Discover Your Passion
The quest to feel youthful often begins with curiosity - exploring new ideas, hobbies, or skills that excite and inspire. According to our data, many individuals find that learning plays a key role in maintaining a sense of vitality:
- 37% of people credit informal learning (like YouTube tutorials or social media) with helping them feel youthful.
- 31% cite developing existing skills, such as honing musical talents, as a way to stay vibrant.
What’s fascinating is that over 75% of people aged 25 and older have shifted their focus from beauty or wellness trends to prioritising lifelong learning as a way to feel youthful.
Choose a City Lit Course That’s Right for You
Our survey revealed that people value different ways of engaging with learning:
- Almost 40% of people participate in learning activities weekly.
- 29% engage daily, demonstrating a strong commitment to ongoing personal growth.
- Learning methods vary widely, with many turning to books (50%), online platforms (46%), and video content (49%) for inspiration.
Whether you’re seeking personal fulfillment, professional growth, or simply a new challenge, City Lit’s flexible offerings, both in-person and online, make it easy to find the perfect fit.
Learn More to Improve Your Brain
Learning isn’t just about acquiring knowledge; it has profound benefits for your overall well-being. Engaging in educational activities can improve mental sharpness, foster emotional resilience, and even strengthen social connections.Survey respondents highlighted the importance of education for maintaining a youthful outlook:
- Over 80% agree that continued learning enhances mental sharpness and cognitive ability.
- 62% believe education improves emotional well-being and resilience.
- 54% report that learning fosters stronger social connections.
Moreover, 54% of people said that acquiring new knowledge directly contributes to a sense of vitality. At City Lit, we see this impact every day in the lives of our learners, as they grow more confident, energised, and engaged.
A Balanced Approach to Youthfulness
Staying youthful is about more than one area of life - it’s about balance. While physical health, social connections, and beauty trends all play a role, our data shows that education stands out as a powerful tool for maintaining vitality.
- Over 60% of people prioritise physical and mental health practices to feel youthful.
- 81% believe that staying physically active is key, while 54% view learning new things as essential for vitality.
- Only 9% of people selected beauty and wellness trends as their primary approach to staying youthful.
Maintaining physical and mental wellness is essential for overall well-being. From ballet and yoga to Pilates and tai chi, City Lit’s diverse range of classes are designed to enhance physical fitness, improve mental clarity, and promote emotional balance.
The Power of Social Connections
Staying youthful isn’t just about physical health and mental stimulation - it’s also about maintaining strong social connections and feeling part of a community. Our data found that:
- 50% of people say social engagement and maintaining friendships are essential to feeling youthful.
- 41% of people believe that being around like-minded people boosts their sense of youthfulness.
Learning through City Lit provides a space to meet like-minded individuals, creating lasting friendships and social bonds that support vitality and personal growth.
Start Your Journey Today
Whether you're enhancing your physical health, improving your memory, or building new connections, City Lit’s courses empower you to thrive at every stage.
City Lit Lifetime Fellow, Dame Evelyn Glennie, perfectly captures the transformative spirit of our community. You can watch our full interview with Evelyn, where she discusses the importance of lifelong learning.
"Whenever I walk through the doors of City Lit, I’m struck by this incredible energy of possibility - a willingness to listen and engage. It’s fascinating to see such a diverse demographic all in one place. Just observing the interactions and the opportunities around you, you realise it’s truly a place of endless possibilities. And honestly, this is exactly what we need in the world today.”
Video: City Lit Fellow Dame Evelyn Glennie shares the importance of lifelong learning and staying curious.
Transform your life at City Lit
Our study demonstrates that people value lifelong learning as a powerful tool for maintaining vitality, with many recognising its importance in fostering both personal and professional growth.
Explore the possibilities and discover how City Lit can help you transform your life.
Visit City Lit courses to find out more and begin your journey to a more youthful, vibrant you!
City Lit Data collated by PollFish on the 27th of November 2024:
1,000 respondents in the UK
Aged 25-99
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