Learning refers to the process of getting new or modifying existing skills, knowledge, behaviour and values. It’s a common fact that traditional learning takes place during early teens and early adulthood. For most people learning stops at graduation but for some learning is continuous - middle and old age. 

Here are the Filipinos who studied later in life.

• Abzonie Reño - Studied college at age 23 and graduated summa cum laude.
• Melchor Eda, a 62-year old grandfather who graduated in an alternative learning system highschool in Naga, Camarines Sur.
• Generito U. Yusores, a 64-year old tricycle driver who graduated with a degree of Education at Western Mindanao State University.
• Salvacion Flores Nacario, an 81-year-old grandmother who graduated high school at Fort Bonifacio High School Makati
• Rosita Majait - A 66 years old student of Negros Occidental High School.
• Lolo Benjamin, a 75-year-old from Pangasinan, who took Political science at the University of Pangasinan.
• Virgilio Pentacasi, a native of Tagbilaran City Bohol, enrolled in senior high school.

On the international level, here are some late bloomers to inspire you:

• Momofuku Ando - Japanese-Taiwanese inventor of noodles.
• Vera Ellen Wang - American Wedding dress designer who only wrote fashion until 39.
• Joseph Conrad - English-Polish writer who spoke no English until 20.
• Grandma Moses -  American folk painter, who only started painting from the age of 78.
• Dave McClure - American businessman and Angel investor who did no investing until the age of 40.
• Fauja Singh - British-Indian centenarian (aged 108) who made a marathon record of 6 hours and 2 minutes.
• Vincent Van Gogh - Dutch painter who until 27 only drew and didn’t paint.

1.  You could benefit from previous experience

Being at the middle adulthood or late adulthood stage, you may have already earned enough experiences on various aspects of life such as emotions, skills, work and portfolios. Such things can help you get prepared and establish a solid foundation to learn higher skills.

2.  You may change careers

Changing careers is a transition or switching to another job/lifestyle that is similar or different from the previous one. Career changes are long-term that could be 5 years or a lifetime. When you switch to another new career, such a situation will present another opportunity for you to learn a new skill by learning at school or at home and earn a certification. Learning is a fact of life whether you are a new graduate or a middle career employee.

3.  You can upskill or add another degree

It’s possible to learn while studying for a degree. In fact, some Philippine schools offer classes for student workers. For example, if you want to pursue law, the University of the Philippines College of Law offers evening classes so that you can work in the morning and study in the evening. Be reminded that juggling studying and working can be tough. Time management may help in this situation.

4.  You’re free what to do

At some point, you may or might already have a side or full-time business. Likewise, you could have a part-time or full-time job that you can use to finance your education. Such freedom means you have time and money to pursue your education.

5.  You’re more disciplined

Discipline is a noun related to another noun “disciple” or a follower of code and rules. Younger people (pre-pubescent ages) tend to be less disciplined compared to adults. Being disciplined is an essential trait if you want to succeed in learning another skill because you’ll have to endure countless hours and fight your procrastinating urges while on your way to finish studies/degrees.

6.  You can learn more from mistakes

Mistakes/failures let you learn so that in the next opportunity you can identify what and what not to do.  Many quotes from celebrities and notable people told about that failure is a teacher and that’s true when you search in Google/Yandex search engine. Failures teach you to get used to challenges rather than being stuck in comfort zone and helps you to introspect.

7.  You could have networks

You can find networks at school, bar, company, street, volunteer organizations, parties, seminars, job hunt, and social media (internet). They could be your friend, fiancé, customer, boss, work colleague, former classmates, former teacher, and people whom you met on the internet or social media.

8.  You can bring more value to the company

Companies admire employees who want to upskill or upgrade their skills. For employers, such men and women striving to hone their trade will help the company improve productivity and the quality of products and services. Upskilling employees have more chances to get promotions and salary raises. Learning-related or another skill lets you avoid being stuck in a career/job and gives you confidence and readiness to go for a well-paying job.