The Lifelong Learning Effect: Why It Makes Us Happier and More Fulfilled

How does lifelong learning support happiness?

When was the last time you heard the term “lifelong learning”? If you’re like many people, it was probably in school, where it may have sounded a lot like more homework.

But lifelong learning has nothing to do with assignments or more work. It’s just a mindset and a habit. You can learn about anything and reap the benefits of this approach. All you have to do is follow your curiosity with an open mind.

You’re probably already doing this to some degree. Think about it. What’s the last thing you learned that you wanted to tell someone else about right away? Not something you had to learn for work, a class, or life, but something that sparked genuine curiosity. Maybe it was a new recipe. A surprising historical fact. A bird you identified by its song.

These aren’t footnotes to your life. They’re a big part of what sustains you. Lifelong learning isn’t just a pithy ideal shared at school and senior centers; science shows that it’s a secret source of our resilience and a key to happiness.

Adults with access to educational opportunities have higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of loneliness. And overall, lifelong learning is linked to autonomy, confidence, self-efficacy, and the ability to cope with challenges.

So don’t dismiss those little nuggets of information you pick up along the way. They’re actually lifting your spirits.

Why learning keeps you mentally and emotionally alive

Learning requires exposure to the novel and unfamiliar— the kind of stuff that makes you see the world in a fresh light.

Why is novelty so important here? Novelty sparks memory formation by inducing dopamine release in the hippocampus, which is the lower part of your brain behind your ears. When it comes to creating memories, the more unfamiliar the experience, the better. When our brains are exposed to information different from anything else we’ve already processed, the memories become even more vivid and long-lasting.

Learning also improves cognitive abilities. In a study out of the University of California Riverside, a set of older adults learned three new skills simultaneously for three months. The researchers found that during that time, the participants’ cognitive abilities—including working memory, cognitive control, and episodic memory—all increased to levels similar to those of people 30 years younger.

Not only did their cognitive abilities increase, their perspectives on life changed. Participants reported feeling “fearless toward new learning challenges” and surprised by their accomplishments. Some experienced distinct outcomes based on what they had been learning, like seeing or hearing in new ways after spending time studying photography, painting, or music composition.

Want better relationships? Learn something—with someone.

Lifelong learning doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. A 2024 study found that adults who engage in community-based learning report higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of loneliness.

Learning often invites opportunities to meet and interact with others about common interests—the perfect recipe for friendship and connection. It can bring together diverse groups of people, expanding social networks and creating pathways for greater tolerance.

Growth mindset: not just a buzzword

A growth mindset—the belief that abilities and positive qualities can be developed through effort—is the secret to lifelong learning. Instead of feeling like you must avoid mistakes and failure to protect your ego, you can learn unapologetically, missteps or not.

According to renowned psychologist Carol Dweck’s research, people with a growth mindset are more likely to persevere when faced with challenges, potentially helping people thrive emotionally and professionally. But here’s the part we often miss: Just like we’re not born with all the abilities and characteristics we hope to develop, a growth mindset isn’t something you’re born with, either. It’s something you learn and practice.

A growth mindset helps us remember that, from skills like playing the piano to qualities like being compassionate, we have the ability to learn. That’s it. That’s the big secret.

How to make learning part of your everyday life (without burning out)

Lifelong learning doesn’t mean signing up for another class you don’t have time for. It means noticing where your curiosity leads you—and following it for however long you wish.

Here are a few frictionless ways to begin:

1.  Start a curiosity log.

At the end of the day, jot down one thing that surprised you or made you wonder. Maybe a visit to the art museum sparked questions about the origins of abstract painting, or a stop in the local bakery inspired intrigue about the science of a meringue.

You might start to see patterns in what lights you up. Those patterns can guide you to topics you can explore in books, podcasts, or public lectures.  

2.  Swap recommendations.

You don’t need to be part of a book club to share your thoughts on literature or other creative works. Ask a friend about a podcast episode, article, book, or idea that changed their perspective. Trade notes after you’ve both engaged with the material. Let the learning continue by remaining open to their unique viewpoints.

3.  Remember the power of “yet.”

Make learning part of your everyday life by practicing your growth mindset. Remind yourself that challenges can be exciting because they offer an opportunity to learn and that mistakes are an inevitable part of growth and change. Dweck believes in the power of a simple word to start to transform your mindset: yet. It’s not that you can’t do it; it’s that you can’t do it yet.

4.  Learn in micro-moments.

Swap energy-draining apps on your phone for ones that make learning easy. Apps like The Humane Space offer short, immersive learning experiences that fit seamlessly into your day—no cramming or pressure required.

So what’s something you’ve always been curious about? How can you start learning about it today?