In Singapore, the state takes the development of human resources seriously. With few natural or geographic advantages, the country has adopted a strategy that aims to develop the potential of its native population.<\/p>\n
Today, the country has the\u00a0highest human development index in Asia, leading the world in some key categories for human development. Part of the reason the country does so well is its emphasis on adult education. State-sponsored programmes such as SkillFuture aim to keep the country\u2019s older adult population productive and innovative, offsetting the advantage other nations have in graduating large numbers of younger people into their workforces.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not just the state that benefits from lifelong learning either.\u00a0Skills future courses<\/a>\u00a0and other adult education initiatives also have some very real benefits for the individuals taking them. The benefits of investing in lifelong education are multi-faceted and well-supported by data. Here are just some of the ways lifelong learning helps pay for itself:<\/p>\n For many older individuals, continued education is not only necessary for earning a higher income but is also needed to maintain relevance in one\u2019s chosen profession. It\u2019s a well-researched\u00a0phenomenon\u00a0that higher educational levels tend to come with a corresponding increase in income potential. However, the fast pace of technological and social disruption can quickly erode the value of a degree or certification\u00a0if competencies are not regularly maintained. This is part of the reason for the creation of SkillsFuture courses and why many fields now require regular refresher courses and recertification.<\/p>\n The intellectual stimulation that comes with overcoming challenges is a big motivator for many people who choose to continue formal learning into middle and late adulthood. Many people find that constantly learning new things or honing those that they already have provides grounding and meaning to their life.<\/p>\n Of course, this does not apply to everyone. Personal fulfilment is very subjective after all. Some people may be driven by a need to earn better prestige or a higher income while others may be content to live an unassuming and uncomplicated life. Nevertheless, it\u2019s clear that a lot of individuals derive much pleasure from pursuing knowledge for its own sake.<\/p>\n Regardless of whether you\u2019re learning for personal or professional reasons, chances are that you will be able to harness your newfound knowledge in exciting ways. In many cases, you\u2019ll find that SkillsFuture courses or adult learning programmes will give you a new perspective on things you already know.<\/p>\n This good news is that you can still enjoy this benefit even when taking subjects outside your main discipline. In fact, taking a course in a seemingly unrelated subject may very well be\u00a0key for making intuitive leaps\u00a0that would never happen otherwise.\u00a0Many types of cross-disciplinary competence are quite rare and may even be quite valuable on the global job market, particularly in places with a mature innovation ecosystem.<\/p>\n Friendships are a necessary component of maintaining one\u2019s well-being. Unfortunately for many people in modern and increasingly individualistic societies, the number of quality friendships often\u00a0tapers off as one ages. Continuing studies later in life offers a good opportunity to meet new people and expand one\u2019s social circle according to specific interests.<\/p>\n This not only helps increase the odds of forging new personal relationships but professional ones as well. Countless professional relationships<\/a> have been created thanks to the existence of lifelong learning opportunities. The combination of knowledge, experience, maturity, and intent makes these adult-oriented classes a great place to find new and productive relationships.<\/p>\n Individuals engaged in lifelong learning also see multiple benefits to their mental health. Individuals who have larger incomes, who are more personally fulfilled, or who are more active socially are often positioned to deal with emergent mental health issues.\u00a0Indeed, there are many studies that prove the relationships between\u00a0mental health and income,\u00a0life satisfaction, and\u00a0socialisation. Improvements in these areas are also associated with better longevity and happiness.<\/p>\n1. felong Learning Increases Your Earning Power<\/strong><\/h2>\n
2. Continued Education Can Be Personally Fulfilling<\/strong><\/h2>\n
3. It Allows You to Build Upon Previous Learnings<\/strong><\/h2>\n
4. Education Later in Life Allows for Better Socialisation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
5. Adult Learning Helps Maintain Your Mental Health<\/strong><\/h2>\n