Have a crack: Why it’s by no means too late to study a brand new talent

Studying to swim or experience a motorbike is usually seen as a childhood ceremony of passage, however what in the event you didn’t? The excellent news is you’re by no means too previous to choose up new expertise.

Perth mum-of-two Nicole Jameson says it was seeing the sheer enjoyment her sons – Max, 14, and 10-year-old Charlie – skilled driving their new electrical skateboards that prompted her to disregard her qualms and have a go.

“Having two busy boys to maintain up with means I’ve tried to up my prowess throughout just a few completely different sports activities,” Nicole says.

“When the boys had been attempting out their new skateboards, I had a rush of nostalgia and thought I wished to be a part of that, so I gave it a go!”

Whereas she admits the potential for breaking a bone was high of thoughts, the digital strategist and founding father of Darkish Horse Company says the expertise was like an amusement park experience.

“There was a little bit of worry and a bit of pleasure, however it was so value it,” she says.

Nicole’s not alone in desirous to have a crack at studying new expertise as an grownup.

Summon your interior youngster’s braveness

Physiotherapist and sports activities science skilled Melanie McAuliffe says youngsters are skilled at discovering hobbies and studying new expertise however someplace on the trail to maturity, we cease attempting new issues.

“I’ve had greater than my share of conversations with shoppers attempting to study new expertise, starting from driving a motorbike to swimming, dancing and even [doing] handstands,” Melanie says.

Melanie believes that what stops individuals from attempting is the preconception of what’s required to carry out the exercise.

“There’s a worry of going ahead; we put limits on ourselves and what we expect we are able to do,” she says.

Quite the opposite, Melanie provides, it’s been confirmed repeatedly that the worst factor we are able to do for our bodily and psychological well being is to sit down nonetheless.

Leisure actions matter

A big physique of analysis suggests how we spend our leisure time issues to our well being – together with a research that discovered spending common time on a bodily leisure exercise has a optimistic affect on wellbeing and life satisfaction.

There are numerous different advantages that associate with the private satisfaction of mastering a brand new talent, Melanie reveals.

“There’s the social aspect, in that in the event you take up a talent like swimming or bike driving, you’re going to be out and about and assembly individuals you wouldn’t usually meet,” she says.

“Relying on what you select, there’s additionally the possibility to enhance your stability and mobility which, in flip, can result in higher posture, muscle power, flexibility and sharper reflexes – all helpful as we become old!”

New expertise to strive

In keeping with the Royal Life Saving Society, one in 4 Australians admit they’re weak swimmers – or can’t swim in any respect – so swimming is one good place to start out.

Browsing, indoor mountain climbing and bike driving are different actions to strive, however whereas all of those are potential to study as an grownup, it’s value taking your time, Melanie advises.

“Go rigorously and keep in mind that once you’re a bit of extra superior in years, even issues like standing on one leg in yoga will be more durable than they appear,” she says.

“Don’t attempt to experience a motorised scooter till you’ve mastered a non-motorised one – it’s essential make investments a while in buying your new talent!”

In fact, not all new actions have to be bodily.

Nicole says many older-style hobbies and expertise have gotten “cool” once more, particularly for the reason that rise of TikTok.

“With many mother and father beginning or pivoting their companies post-COVID and needing social media expertise whereas additionally attempting to maintain up with the youngsters, growing some abilities in that space will be useful, too,” Nicole says.

“I’d suggest in search of issues like ‘Snapchat for newbies’ on Google as a place to begin.”

Written by Liz McGrath.