We all know that you can teach an old dog new tricks. We also know that it's important to keep your mind active when you retire. Just because you're planning to move to a retirement community in Florida to get away from winter weather doesn't mean your brain has to be put into storage along with your mittens and snow shovels.

The rain in Spain still stays mainly in the plain, birds are still migrating, and somewhere in the world people are dancing. What, you may ask, do these things have to do with you, now that you're retired? Well, before you choose your retirement community, make sure that as part of the amenities and activities available, that educational courses are part of the program. Why?

Because rather than sitting by the pool everyday or watching TV or playing cards, you might actually learn enough Spanish to visit Spain to see the plain, acquire enough art instruction to paint a bird in flight, or learn enough new dance steps to get back out on the floor. What good is sitting alone in your room? Life is a Cabaret, old chum. Don't sit back and watch the world go by. Get involved.

Retirement can be illusory. It's not long before the joy of sleeping late, playing golf, and enjoying the grandchildren soon becomes insufficient. Retirees who are single, divorced or widowed, soon feel quite isolated. After a lifetime of responsibility and mental activity, many retirees miss interacting with colleagues and the opportunity to learn something new in this changing world. It's true. Continuing education can literally enrich and possibly extend your life.

You don't have to be reminded that activity, both physical and mental, is important to staying young. There's a massive body of scientific literature that promotes the healthfulness of intellectual activity. Consider stretching your own academic muscles again and connecting with an academic program that might stimulate you.

Many people who live in a community that offers educational courses find that they renew their passion for learning. It keeps them in the mainstream, gets them involved, keeps their minds alert, and opens their eyes to subjects they may have missed while they were working and/or raising a family. Educational programs can give you a reason to get up in the morning. You get to meet new people, look at things in a new way and get a chance to try something never before attempted.

The importance of learning never stops. Retirement communities that don't offer educational courses, such as dance classes, should be avoided like a rerun of Lawrence Welk. Be sure to choose a retirement community that offers educational courses or is affiliated with a nearby college. There is so much to gain. Ask yourself, would you rather see pictures of Spain or learn how to order a fine meal when you visit?

Florida Retirement Communities that offer educational programs are extremely important if you want to continue learning. I recommend that you visit: http://homesforsaleinflorida.webs.com/apps/blog/show/3438838-retirement-community-clubhouse-problems-to-watch-out-for