How old is too old to learn a new skill or hobby?

[MsMediator]

This post is inspired by a response to an earlier post I created, where someone said there is really no point to going back to playing guitar at age 52 (paraphrased).

Realistically speaking, how old is too old to learn a new skill or hobby (either starting new or learning to improve), such as:
playing an instrument
learning a language
studying a new field/getting a new or advanced degree
painting
quilting
martial arts
etc.

If you say an age is too old for a hobby/skill, please explain why? Is it because you think you'll pass away soon, so why bother? Or, is it because the task will take longer, being an older person, and so a waste of time? Is it because you believe you will never be good enough compared to the "young folks", so why waste time?

I believe you can learn a new hobby or skill at any age, health permitting, etc. Of course, interests change over time. However, if you are still interested in learning the hobby or skill, an older age should not be a hindrance. Of course, one has to also manage expectations. It is possible that you may never get great in the skill/hobby, but it can still make you happy.

 

[Jimbone]

Dead I guess, and I'm sure it depends on what it is. A 95 year old may have problems picking up MMA, but he can still train for it if he wants to. I don't think there's an age limit to starting something new, not that I can think of.

 

[JaumeJ]

To the o+, I cannot give an exact age. Perhaps some are born too old, but I do not believe that.
I was 70+ wen I learned enough Biblical Hebrews online to read the Bible minus all of the Epistles, except for Romans.
Having lived in Israel six months in my younger years I did and do have a very passing knowledge of modern Hebrew.
So, because I am yet trudging on, thanks be to Jesus Yeshua, I suppose we always have thepotential to improve our understanding as long as we know that true understanding only comes for God.
God bless all, and keep up the good work(s). It shows your are grateful to Jesus Yeshua.

 

[Lynx]

I remember my mother reading a newspaper article to her husband Randall about a guy who took up running at 91 and ran in a marathon at 93.

RANDALL: What is WRONG with him?

My mother said we could enter him in the marathon.

RANDALL: I am not a runner. The last time I ran, it was because a drill sergeant was chasing me.

 

[Cameron143]

I remember my mother reading a newspaper article to her husband Randall about a guy who took up running at 91 and ran in a marathon at 93.

RANDALL: What is WRONG with him?

My mother said we could enter him in the marathon.

RANDALL: I am not a runner. The last time I ran, it was because a drill sergeant was chasing me.

Is Randall related to Beetle Bailey?

 

[maxwel]

Biblical Expectations - some things are expected of Christians in scripture:
a.) We should always be learning and growing spiritually.
b.) We should always be doing the work of ministry, in whatever capacity we're able (prayer alone is a powerful ministry.)

Conclusion:
Therefore, if God expects us to keep learning and growing spiritually, and keep involving ourselves in the work of ministy... then learning, growing and action are normal and expected trajectories of the Christian life.

I think everyone should apply those principles as they feel led, and according to their ability.


God Bless.

.

 

[Magenta]

If you say an age is too old for a hobby/skill, please explain why? Is it because you think
you'll pass away soon, so why bother? Or, is it because the task will take longer, being an
older person, and so a waste of time? Is it because you believe you will never be good
enough compared to the "young folks", so why waste time?

I believe you can learn a new hobby or skill at any age, health permitting, etc. Of course,
interests change over time. However, if you are still interested in learning the hobby or
skill, an older age should not be a hindrance. Of course, one has to also manage expectations.
It is possible that you may never get great in the skill/hobby, but it can still make you happy.

I wonder if it has to do with the application and expectations around any particular skill.
Take for instance the matter of learning guitar as per your OP. It may be true that many
take up such an endeavour when young because of the social aspects entailed... they may
be aiming for fame, or infamy. An older person may not be interested in the extracurriculars.

 

[timemeddler]

I hope I never reach such an age. Though I've met people who wont learn anything new at any age.

 

[JaumeJ]

I hope I never reach such an age. Though I've met people who wont learn anything new at any age.

I was just thinking something similar. If one stops because it is believed death is near, knowing how unimportant time can be, then it seems some quite learning very early in life, depressing at bes.

Keep in mind, knowledge does not occupy space in the head, so keep learning according to the faith given us.

 

[p_rehbein]

When they close the lid on your coffin, well, that may be when you can not worry about learning a new hobby,,,,

 

[Tall_Timbers]

One is never too old to learn a new skill or hobby, or to brush up on an old skill or hobby. Naturally one might be limited by their physical abilities in the cases of some things they might like to try.