BY GOING BACK TO SCHOOL STAY SHARP AS YOU AGE
show brain function akin to someone 30 years younger. This goes beyond the tired advice to do a crossword puzzle or work a sudoku puzzle every day. The participants in this research study were learning entirely new-to-them subjects, like how to speak a foreign language, use a new piece of technology, or make art. Convinced of the benefits but not sure where to turn to learn? Try these two sources. Most colleges are designed with the traditional, 20-something college student in mind, which may not appeal or be a great fit for adults in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. But many universities are starting to cater to an older crowd with lifelong learning programs. One example is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Washington (UW). UW’s program offers a full
course schedule on subjects in the arts, sciences, and current events taught by qualified faculty and provided at an affordable rate. There are over 100 such programs at universities across the U.S.
While you may be happy for the years of wisdom you’ve gained since being in your 20s and 30s, you might be missing the mental sharpness you once had. Why not have the best of both worlds? Scientists have found that the human brain changes with age — neurons fire more slowly, for example, and short-term memory recall can be more challenging — but that we often underestimate our capacity to continue learning as we grow older. Negative stereotypes about aging can reinforce these beliefs. However, new research is showing that older adults who’ve committed to immersive study of a new subject
Have a longtime dream to write children’s books? UC San Diego
Extension has a certificate program for that! If you’re looking to dive into a single subject or perhaps you’d like to continue working in retirement or shift gears later in your career, certificate programs are a great option. No previous education is required. Most certificate programs are open to all, typically run for less than a year, and easily accommodate part-time learners. Celebrate your years of hard-earned wisdom but commit to keeping your brain young by going back to school this fall.
The Global Microchip Shortage
While the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic stole much of the focus of 2020, along with the first months of 2021, the role that technology plays in everyday life has also captured renewed focus. During the pandemic, technology has enabled everything from virtual meetings, distance learning, robotics, and 5G technology, as well as more file storage, telemedicine, digital payments, and more time with gaming consoles. Technology has been an essential component allowing people to deal with extraordinary conditions and work remotely. At the same time that technology has been relied upon for entertainment and more utilitarian purposes during the pandemic, it remains in an endless evolution, constantly being upgraded with new capabilities in every sphere where it’s found. That has required that the components that make up every new technology must be available and plentiful because a disruption in the supply chain could have dire consequences. This pandemic has proven it has the capability of doing just that. And with global factory production depressed by lock-
down restrictions and social distancing measures, the backlog, despite recent easing, is still being felt by consumers.
Nearly every technology today
relies on semiconductor microchips in one form or another. It is estimated that chips are needed in as many as 169 different industries. There is a global shortage of semiconductor chips and the impact is widespread.
This shortage was born out of work-from-home trends and supply chain disruptions. Another factor has been that only large-scale chip makers have survived the competitive market, and expensive machines used to make chips are often obsolete within five years. That is because consumer electronics are always being upgraded and the market-cycle tends to be fast.
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