How I’m Learning Spanish at 70 Using a Free App
From ‘Too Old to Learn’ to Ordering in Spanish
I’ve always regretted not learning Spanish when I was younger. I assumed at 70, my brain was just “too old.” My granddaughter installed a free app called Duolingo on my phone. I was skeptical, but I committed to doing just one 10-minute lesson a day. The app feels like a fun little game, not a chore. A year later, I’m not fluent, but on our last trip to Florida, I was able to confidently order our dinner entirely in Spanish. It’s been an amazing and empowering experience.
I Took a Yale University Course for Free on My Laptop. Here’s How.
The Ivy League, in My Living Room
As a retired teacher, I miss the thrill of learning. I thought my classroom days were over. Then I discovered Coursera.org. It’s a website that offers courses from top universities around the world. I found a famous Yale University class called “The Science of Well-Being,” and I was able to enroll and watch all the video lectures for free. I wasn’t doing it for a grade or a certificate, but for the pure joy of learning from a brilliant professor. It has been a truly enriching experience.
The YouTube Channels That Taught Me How to Garden/Knit/Paint
My Free, On-Demand Tutors
I wanted to learn how to knit, but I didn’t know where to start. I went to YouTube and searched “knitting for absolute beginners.” I found a channel with a lovely woman who explained everything slowly and clearly. I could pause and rewind the video as many times as I needed. I’ve since used YouTube to learn how to properly prune my roses from “Garden Answer” and how to paint watercolor landscapes. It’s a university of practical skills, and every class is free.
I Used “The Great Courses” to Become an Expert on a Topic I Love
The ‘Deep Dive’ into History
I’m a huge history buff, especially the Civil War. I found a service called Wondrium (formerly The Great Courses). It’s a subscription service with thousands of college-level lecture series taught by top professors. I started a 24-lecture course on the turning points of the Civil War. It was incredibly detailed and engaging. I listened to the audio lectures on my daily walks. It’s a fantastic way to do a deep, comprehensive dive into a subject you’re passionate about, far beyond a simple documentary.
How I Use My Tablet to Learn a New Instrument
My Patient, Private Guitar Teacher
I’ve always wanted to learn to play the guitar, but I was too intimidated to find a teacher. I bought an inexpensive guitar and subscribed to an app called Fender Play. The app has a step-by-step video curriculum that takes you from holding the guitar correctly to playing your first chords and songs. The best part is that I can go at my own pace, re-watching lessons as much as I need without feeling like I’m holding up a class. My tablet has become my patient, private instructor.
The Best Podcast for Learning About History (Or Any Subject)
My ‘Theater for the Mind’
I’ve discovered that podcasts are like old-time radio for the modern age. I wanted to learn more about history in an entertaining way. I subscribed to a free podcast called “Hardcore History.” The host tells historical stories with such passion and detail that it feels like listening to an epic movie. I listen to it in the car and while I’m doing chores. For any subject you’re interested in, whether it’s science, philosophy, or true crime, there’s a free podcast that will make learning feel like entertainment.
I’m Tracing My Family Tree with Ancestry.com. Here’s How to Start.
From a Fading Photo to a Family of Thousands
I had a few old family photos and stories, but I wanted to know more about my roots. I got a subscription to Ancestry.com. I started by simply entering my own name and my parents’ names. The website then started giving me “hints”—little shaking leaves that linked to census records, marriage certificates, and draft cards. I’ve since traced my family back to the 1800s in Ireland and have connected with distant cousins I never knew I had. It’s like being a detective in my own family’s history.
The TED Talks That Completely Changed My Perspective
A ’15-Minute Shot of Inspiration’
Some afternoons, my brain feels a little stale. When I need a dose of inspiration or a new idea, I go to the TED Talks website. These are short (usually under 18 minutes), powerful talks by brilliant people on every subject imaginable—from technology and science to psychology and art. I’ve learned about how sleep affects the brain and how to have better conversations. It’s a free, easily digestible way to expose myself to fascinating new ideas and stay curious about the world.
How to Use Duolingo Without Getting Annoyed by the Owl
Taming the ‘Green-Feathered Nag’
I love using the free Duolingo app to learn Italian, but the constant notifications from the owl mascot, Duo, were driving me crazy. “It’s time for your lesson!” it would ping, multiple times a day. I finally went into my phone’s settings, found Duolingo on my list of apps, and tapped on “Notifications.” I turned off all the “badges” and “alerts.” Now, I can use the app on my own schedule, without feeling like I’m being nagged by a persistent, green-feathered bird.
I’m Taking a “MasterClass” Taught by My Favorite Celebrity
Learning from the Best in the World
I’m a passionate home cook, and Gordon Ramsay is one of my heroes. I signed up for a service called MasterClass, and I’m currently taking his course on cooking. It’s a series of beautifully produced video lessons where he personally teaches his techniques for making his signature dishes. I’ve also taken a class on writing taught by James Patterson. It’s an incredible service that gives you a front-row seat to learn directly from the world’s most successful and famous experts in their fields.
The Best Apps for Keeping Your Brain Sharp and Learning New Things
My ‘Mental Gym’
I want to keep my mind active and challenged in retirement. I’ve found a couple of great apps for that. I use “Elevate” for its fun, daily brain games that are designed to improve memory and processing speed. It feels like a 10-minute mental workout. I also use “CuriosityStream,” which is like a Netflix but just for high-quality documentaries on science, history, and nature. This combination of daily games and fascinating documentaries keeps my brain engaged and always learning something new.
How to Use Khan Academy to Learn (or Re-Learn) Anything
The ‘Free Tutor’ for Life
My granddaughter was struggling with her algebra homework, and I realized I had forgotten everything I ever knew about it. We went to the Khan Academy website together. It’s a completely free, non-profit resource with simple, clear video lessons on almost every academic subject, from basic math to art history. We watched a 10-minute video on a concept she was stuck on, and it finally clicked for her. It’s an incredible free resource for students of all ages, including grandparents trying to help with homework.
I’m Learning to Code at 68. It’s Not as Hard as You Think.
Building with Logic, Not with Wood
As a retired engineer, I missed the challenge of building and problem-solving. On a whim, I signed up for a free introductory course on a website called Codecademy. I started learning the basics of HTML, the language used to build websites. I was amazed at how logical and fun it was. It felt like solving a puzzle. I’m not trying to get a new job; I’m doing it because it’s the most engaging brain-teaser I’ve ever encountered, and it gives me a huge sense of accomplishment.
The Best Websites for Free University-Level Lectures
The ‘Audit a Class’ Experience
I have a deep curiosity about subjects like philosophy and astronomy, but I didn’t want to enroll in a formal course. I discovered that many top universities post full courses of their lectures on YouTube for free. I’ve been “auditing” a course on ancient Greek philosophy from a professor at Yale. I can watch the same lectures the students at Yale see, all from my own home. Channels like “YaleCourses” and “MIT OpenCourseWare” are an absolute treasure trove for any lifelong learner.
How I Use a “Spaced Repetition” App to Memorize a New Language
The Smartest Flashcards I’ve Ever Used
When I was learning Spanish vocabulary, I struggled to make the words stick in my memory. I started using a free app called Anki, which uses a technique called “Spaced Repetition.” It’s like smart flashcards. The app shows me a new word, and then it asks me how well I knew it. It then shows me that word again just before I’m about to forget it—maybe in one day, or in five days. This intelligent system is incredibly efficient and has helped me memorize hundreds of new words.
The Online Encyclopedia (Wikipedia) and How to Use It Responsibly
The ‘Rabbit Hole’ of Knowledge
I love falling down a Wikipedia “rabbit hole.” I’ll start by looking up a historical figure, and an hour later I’m reading about ancient Roman architecture. It’s an incredible source of free knowledge. However, I’ve learned to use it responsibly. I know that it’s a starting point, not an academic source. For any important fact, I always scroll down to the “References” section at the bottom of the article and try to check the original, primary source of the information.
I Took a Virtual Museum Tour and It Was Fascinating
The Louvre, from My Living Room
My wife and I have always dreamed of visiting the great art museums of Europe. Thanks to the Google Arts & Culture app, we can. We spent an entire afternoon on a “virtual tour” of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. We could “walk” through the galleries and zoom in on paintings by Monet and Van Gogh with such incredible detail that we could see the individual brushstrokes. It was a deeply moving and enriching cultural experience, and we never had to leave our couch.
The Best Apps for Identifying Plants and Birds on a Walk
My ‘Nature Guide’ in My Pocket
My daily walks became much more interesting when I downloaded two apps: PictureThis for plants and Merlin Bird ID for birds. Now, when I see a beautiful wildflower I don’t recognize, I can just take a picture of it and the app identifies it in seconds. When I hear a bird singing, the Merlin app can listen to the song and tell me it’s a Northern Cardinal. My phone has become my personal nature guide, turning a simple walk into a constant journey of discovery.
How I Use My Library’s Online Resources (Like Lynda.com) for Free
My ‘Secret’ Free Subscription
I wanted to learn how to use some more advanced features in Microsoft Excel for my volunteer work. A single online course can be expensive. I went to my local library’s website and discovered that my library card gives me free access to a platform called LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com). It has thousands of high-quality video courses on technology, business, and creative skills. It’s an incredible, high-value resource that most people don’t even know their library provides for free.
The “Fact-Checking” Websites I Use to Verify Information Online
My ‘Truth Detector’
With so much misinformation online, it’s hard to know what to believe. I’ve made it a habit to fact-check any surprising or shocking claim I see before I share it. I use non-partisan websites like Snopes.com, PolitiFact, and FactCheck.org. If I see a questionable meme or a headline, I’ll go to one of those sites and search for the topic. More often than not, they’ve already investigated the claim and can tell me if it’s true, false, or a mix of both.
How I’m Learning a New Skill Through Skillshare
The ‘Creative Project’ Classroom
I wanted to learn a new creative skill, but I learn best by doing a project. I signed up for a service called Skillshare. It’s an online learning community with thousands of classes focused on creative and practical skills. I took a class on “Intro to Graphic Design,” and the instructor walked us through the process of creating our own personalized greeting card. The project-based approach made the learning feel fun and practical, and I came away with a real-life skill and a finished product.
The Best YouTube Channels for High-Quality Documentaries
My ‘Netflix for Nerds’
I love a good documentary, but I was tired of just scrolling through Netflix. I’ve found that YouTube is home to some incredible, free documentary channels. Channels like “DW Documentary” and “PBS Eons” produce high-quality, in-depth films on everything from history and science to culture and nature. I’ve created a “Documentaries” playlist on YouTube, and now I have a huge library of fascinating content to watch whenever I’m in the mood to learn something new.
I’m Using an App to Learn to Play Chess
My ‘Mental Workout’
I decided to learn chess in my retirement to keep my mind sharp. I was intimidated by the idea of playing against a person. I downloaded the Chess.com app. I started with their free lessons, which taught me the basic rules and simple strategies. Then, I started playing games against the computer at a very low difficulty level. The app analyzes my games and shows me my mistakes. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to engage in a challenging mental workout every day.
How to Find and Subscribe to Educational Podcasts
My ‘University in My Ears’
I’ve found that podcasts are a fantastic way to learn while I’m driving or gardening. To find new ones, I just open my podcast app (like Apple Podcasts or Spotify) and go to the “Browse” section. I can look through categories like “Science,” “History,” or “Philosophy.” When I find a show that looks interesting, I hit the “Follow” or “Subscribe” button. This means that every time a new episode is released, it will automatically download to my phone for free.
I Joined an Online Writing Workshop
My ‘Community of Critics’
I’ve always enjoyed writing, but I wanted to get feedback to improve. I joined an online writing workshop called Scribophile. It’s a community where you can post your own stories and get constructive critiques from other writers. In turn, you critique their work. It has been an invaluable experience. The feedback is thoughtful and has helped me grow as a writer, and I’ve found a wonderful community of people who share my passion.
The Best Stargazing Apps for Your Phone or Tablet
The Cosmos, in My Hand
I’ve always been fascinated by the night sky, but I could only ever identify the Big Dipper. I downloaded a free app called SkyView Lite. When I’m outside at night, I can just hold my phone up to the sky, and the app uses my camera and GPS to show me exactly what I’m looking at. It will outline the constellations, label the planets, and even show me satellites as they pass overhead. It’s a magical app that has turned the night sky into a familiar, navigable map.
How I Use a Digital Dictionary and Thesaurus to Improve My Writing
My ‘Word-Smithing’ Tools
When I’m writing an email or a letter, I often get stuck trying to find the perfect word. I’ve bookmarked the Merriam-Webster dictionary and thesaurus website. If I’m unsure of a word’s meaning or spelling, I can look it up in seconds. If I feel like I’m using the same word over and over, I can use the thesaurus to find interesting synonyms. It’s a simple, free tool that has made my writing more precise, varied, and confident.
I’m Learning About AI (Artificial Intelligence) from a Beginner’s Guide
Understanding the Future
I keep hearing about “AI” in the news, and I wanted to understand what it actually is, without getting too technical. I found a great beginner’s guide on a website called “Elements of AI.” It’s a free online course designed for non-experts. It uses simple language and real-world examples to explain the basic concepts. It’s been fascinating, and it’s helping me feel more informed about the technology that is rapidly changing our world.
The Best Online Resources for Understanding U.S. Civics and Government
My ‘Citizen’s Handbook,’ Updated
I wanted to brush up on my understanding of how the U.S. government works. I found a fantastic, non-partisan resource in the USA.gov website. It has clear, simple explanations of the branches of government, the election process, and citizen rights and responsibilities. For a more interactive experience, iCivics.org, founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, has fun games and simulations that make learning about civics engaging. These are great resources for any citizen wanting to stay informed.
I Took a “Defensive Driving” Course Online to Lower My Insurance
An Afternoon of Learning, a Year of Savings
My car insurance company sent me a letter saying I could get a 10% discount on my premium if I completed a defensive driving course. I found a state-approved course online. It cost about twenty-five dollars. I spent a few hours one afternoon watching the video modules and taking the quizzes. It was a good refresher on safe driving habits. After I completed it, I sent the certificate to my insurance agent, and my discount was applied. The course paid for itself in just a few months.
The Best YouTube Channels for Seniors (That Aren’t Patronizing)
Content for a Curious Adult
I was looking for YouTube content that was smart and engaging, not patronizing. I’ve found a few gems. I love “Dad, How Do I?” for simple, practical home repair tips. For travel inspiration and beautiful scenery, I watch “Rick Steves’ Europe.” And for clear, no-nonsense tech help, I follow “Technology for Seniors.” These channels treat me like an intelligent adult who is curious and capable, and they’ve become a regular part of my viewing.
How I Use Google Earth to Explore the World from My Armchair
My ‘Magic Carpet’ Ride
I have a long list of places I want to see, but I can’t travel to all of them. So, I use Google Earth. It’s a free program that lets me fly anywhere in the world. I’ve “walked” the streets of Paris using Street View, I’ve flown over the peaks of the Himalayas, and I’ve explored the Great Barrier Reef. I even used it to find the little house in Germany where my grandparents grew up. It’s a powerful tool for exploration and a true window to the world.
I’m Learning a New Craft from a Bluprint (Craftsy) Class
My ‘Master-Level’ Crafting Instructor
I wanted to take my quilting skills to the next level. I signed up for a service called Bluprint (which used to be Craftsy). It’s a platform with incredibly in-depth video classes on all sorts of crafts, from baking and sewing to woodworking and painting. The production quality is fantastic, and the instructors are true masters in their field. I can watch close-ups of their techniques and re-watch complex parts. It’s been an invaluable resource for elevating my hobby into a real craft.
The Best Apps for Learning to Meditate
My ‘Pocket-Sized’ Peace and Quiet
My doctor suggested I try meditation to help with my stress levels. I didn’t know where to start. I downloaded a free app called “Insight Timer.” It has thousands of free guided meditations from different teachers, ranging from five minutes to an hour. I was able to find a teacher whose voice I found calming and I started with a simple 10-minute breathing exercise. It’s been a wonderful, accessible way to bring a little bit of peace and quiet into my daily routine.
How I’m Using an App to Improve My Public Speaking Skills
My ‘AI Speech Coach’
I had to give a toast at my son’s wedding, and I was terrified of public speaking. I used an app called “Orai.” I could read my speech into my phone’s microphone, and the app would give me instant feedback. It told me I was speaking too fast, using too many “umms” and “ahs,” and it even tracked my energy level. It was like having a personal speech coach. Practicing with the app gave me the confidence I needed to deliver a heartfelt toast without being a nervous wreck.
The Online Course Platform That Caters Specifically to Seniors
Learning with My Peers
I found an online learning platform called “GetSetUp” that is designed by and for older adults. The classes are taught by retired professionals, and the topics are things I’m actually interested in, like “How to Use Google Photos” or “Introduction to Tai Chi.” The best part is that the classes are live and interactive, so I can ask questions and connect with other learners who are my own age. It’s a very welcoming and supportive learning environment.
I’m Learning Photography from an Online Pro
From ‘Auto’ Mode to ‘Manual’ Mastery
I love taking pictures with my fancy camera, but I was always stuck using the “Auto” mode. I wanted to really understand how to use it. I subscribed to an online course from a professional photographer I admire. The course had short, easy-to-understand video lessons that explained the concepts of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. I could finally understand what all the dials on my camera meant. It’s been so rewarding to move beyond snapshots and start creating photos I’m truly proud of.
The Best Websites to Learn About Personal Finance in Retirement
My ‘Financial Second Act’ Education
Managing my money in retirement is a whole different ballgame than when I was working. I needed to learn about things like withdrawal strategies and Social Security. I found some great, reliable resources online. The “Retirement” section of the Vanguard and Fidelity websites has a wealth of free articles and tools. I also like the AARP’s “Money” section. These sites provide clear, unbiased information that has helped me feel much more confident about managing my finances in this new stage of life.
How I Use My Tablet to Practice Calligraphy
The ‘Endless Ink’ Practice Pad
I’ve always admired beautiful handwriting and wanted to learn calligraphy. I bought a stylus for my iPad and downloaded the Procreate app. I can import practice worksheets directly into the app and trace over them. The best part is that I can undo any mistakes with a simple tap, and I never run out of paper or ink. My tablet has become my endless practice pad, allowing me to hone my new skill without any mess or waste.
The App That Teaches You to Read Music
From ‘Mystery Squiggles’ to a Familiar Language
I can play a little piano by ear, but I’ve never been able to read sheet music. It always looked like a bunch of mysterious squiggles. I started using an app called “Complete Music Reading Trainer.” It uses a series of game-like exercises to teach you the notes on the staff. It starts very simple and gradually gets more complex. It’s a fun, engaging way to finally learn the language of music that has always been a mystery to me.
I’m Taking an Online Course on a Subject I Dropped in College
My ‘Second Chance’ at Chemistry
In college, I had to drop a chemistry class because I just couldn’t keep up. It has always bothered me. Forty years later, I decided to give it another shot. I’m taking a free “Introduction to Chemistry” course on Khan Academy. I can go at my own pace, re-watching the short video lessons as many times as I need until the concepts sink in. It’s been incredibly satisfying to finally conquer a subject that once defeated me, all on my own terms.
The Best Way to Organize Your Online Learning Resources
My ‘Digital Trapper Keeper’
I’m taking a few different online courses and my browser bookmarks were a mess of links to different videos, articles, and websites. I started using a free app called “Pocket.” It lets me save and tag any online resource in one central place. I can tag articles with “History Course” or “Gardening.” It strips out the ads and presents everything in a clean, easy-to-read format. It’s my digital Trapper Keeper that keeps all my learning materials perfectly organized.
I Joined an Online Philosophy Discussion Group
The ‘Big Questions,’ with New Friends
I love thinking about the big questions in life, but it’s not something that comes up in everyday conversation. I found a group on the Meetup website called the “Armchair Philosophers.” We “meet” once a month via a Zoom video call. We read a short philosophical essay beforehand and then spend an hour discussing it. It’s been a wonderful way to engage my mind and have deep, meaningful conversations with a diverse group of interesting people from all over.
How I Use Digital Flashcards to Learn New Things
The ‘Smart’ Way to Study
I’m trying to learn the names of all the U.S. presidents for a friendly competition with my grandson. I’m using a digital flashcard app called Quizlet. I can create my own set of flashcards, or use one that someone else has already made. The app has different modes, like a matching game or a fill-in-the-blank test. It’s a much more dynamic and effective way to study and memorize information than using old-fashioned paper index cards.
The Best Websites for Learning a New Recipe or Cooking Technique
My ‘Go-To’ Digital Chefs
When I want to try a new recipe, I have two go-to sources. For reliability, I use the New York Times Cooking website. Their recipes are rigorously tested and always turn out well. For learning a specific technique, like how to properly dice an onion or bake the perfect sourdough, I go to YouTube. I can watch a professional chef demonstrate the technique up close, and I can pause and rewind until I get it right. This combination of resources has made me a much more confident and skilled home cook.
I’m Learning About Art History Through an App
My ‘Daily Dose of Art’
I’ve always been interested in art, but a thick art history book is intimidating. I found an app called “DailyArt.” Every day, it presents me with one classic piece of art. It shows a high-quality image of the painting and provides a short, easy-to-read story about the artwork and the artist. It’s a wonderful, bite-sized way to learn about art history. It only takes a few minutes a day, and I’ve been introduced to hundreds of beautiful works of art.
The Best Tech for Taking Notes During an Online Class
Beyond Pen and Paper
I’m taking an online history class, and I wanted a better way to take notes. I started using a program called Evernote on my computer. I can type my notes, but the best part is that I can also drag and drop images from the lecture slides, insert links to relevant articles, and even record short audio clips of the professor’s explanation. All my notes are searchable, so I can instantly find what I’m looking for. It creates a rich, multimedia study guide that is far more useful than my old paper notebooks.
How I Found a Reputable Online Tutor for a Subject I’m Struggling With
My ‘Personal Academic Coach’
I was taking an online course and really struggling with a few key concepts. I needed one-on-one help. I used a service called Wyzant. I was able to search for online tutors for my specific subject, read their qualifications, and see reviews from other students. I found a retired professor who offered online tutoring sessions via video chat. We had a one-hour session, and he was able to explain the concept in a way that finally made sense to me. It was a worthwhile investment in my learning.
I’m Using an App to Finally Learn How to Tie Different Knots
My ‘Practical Skills’ Pocket Guide
As a fisherman and a camper, I’ve always been embarrassed that I only know how to tie one or two basic knots. I downloaded an app called “Animated Knots by Grog.” It has a huge library of knots for every possible situation. The best part is that it shows you a clear, step-by-step animation of how to tie each knot. You can slow it down, pause it, and rotate it to see it from every angle. It’s an incredibly practical app that has helped me master a valuable, real-world skill.
The Joy of Lifelong Learning: How Tech Makes It Possible for Everyone
My ‘University of Me’
When I retired, I was worried about my world getting smaller. But thanks to technology, it’s gotten bigger. My tablet and laptop are my passport to a “University of Me.” One day I can be learning Spanish on Duolingo, the next I can be touring the British Museum on Google Earth, and on the weekend I can be learning to cook a new dish from a master chef on YouTube. Technology has removed the barriers of cost and distance, making it possible for anyone, at any age, to stay curious and keep learning forever.