Never Too Old to Learn

• Invite a speaker from the University of the Third Age (u3a) or research the local group 

• Alternatively invite someone to come and talk about something they have learned in older life

• Print the bookmarks on card and provide coloured pens 

Additional resources

• How old? quiz

• Who said it? quiz

• Bookmarks

‘We are never too old to learn’

 – or so the proverb says! Learning is an innate habit, one that helps us swim through the various tides of life. 

None of us is infallible. We all make mistakes and make wrong decisions in our lives. But every event in our lives has some learning attached to it. Even when we face uphill circumstances, it is persistence and determination that often gets us through it. The encouraging thing, though, is that we get to learn from all such experiences and so end up evolving, which often enables us to help other people because of our own experiences. 

So yes, learning should be a lifelong activity, but never forget:

‘Growing old is mandatory but growing up is optional!’

VISITOR

‘u3a is one of the largest membership organisations in the UK. Our members come together to learn for fun in retirement. Through u3a, members make friends and find community.’ 

u3a.org.uk

Inspire your group by learning about the many opportunities available to meet new people, to learn and to have fun. Or find out about the challenges and rewards about learning a new skill later in life.

DISCUSS

You are never too old to learn new things. You are never too old to set another goal.

• Do you agree or disagree?
• What is the most important lesson you have learned?
• Who was your favourite schoolteacher and why?
• Is there a person you have learned the most from and why?

QUIZ

Do a multiple-choice quiz – or two, in groups or individually. 

• How old? Guess how old people were when they achieved something amazing.
• Who said it? Explore quotes about learning.

COLOUR

Hand out the bookmarks and as members colour in encourage them to reflect on the words and what they feel called to do.

Luke 11:1-13

It seems only sensible that the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, for each day they had seen him withdraw to a place for his own personal quiet time with God.

Jesus’ prayer life prompted the disciples to ask him to teach them to do as he did. They had watched and learned what a valuable experience it was for Jesus. Jesus’ example had brought them to the point where they realised that something was missing from their life – and they weren’t too proud to go and ask for help. The disciples had come to realise that prayer would make a difference to each of them. 

The disciples learnt that prayer was a way of finding strength and courage in extreme circumstances. It was a way of finding compassion and love for their fellow man in their continued ministry of service to God. We are never too old to learn.

• SASB 624       ‘Teach me how to love thee’

  • Piano instrumental lyric video by The Salvation Army Songbook (1:48)

• SASB 392       ‘Teach me to dance to the beat of your heart’

  • Official lyric video by Graham Kendrick Music (4:24)

  • Brass instrumental lyric video by Sale Salvation Army (2:43)

• SASB 601       ‘Lord, I come to you (The power of your love)’

  • Lyric video feat The Three Sopranos by lovegodandloveothers (4:38)

  • Lyric video by Chet Valley Hymns and Songs (4:18)

  • Lyric video feat Maranatha! By ExaltHIMvdo (3:58)

  • Lyric video feat Hillsong Worship by LyricShare (4:41)