I'm 45 years old and I'm still in school. I'm working on a doctorate. Yes, I love school. I'll admit that. I know a lot of people who do. We're hearing more and more stories of men and women into their 60's and 70's who are taking up a new career, learning a new language or even a new sport! What's going on here?

Well, our lifespan has increased. Our health is better. Our options are increasing every day. With all of that, who wouldn't want to make the most of it? There are so many things to learn and to do. Adult education is big.

We can change careers several times, including after we supposedly retire. I know a woman who finished chiropractic school in her 60's and 10 years later, in her 70's, is still practicing! My own mother has been a journalist, a piano teacher, a counselor and now an administrator in a charity organization. She's only 65. Who knows what she'll do next?

We can learn Spanish or Japanese. Great idea if we want to take a vacation in a foreign country. We can learn just enough to travel or go for the whole thing. There are language tapes from Berlitz and other companies or we can sign up for language classes at the junior college or adult learning centers nearby. If you do a web search, you'll find plenty of options.

I know a man in his 60's who always wanted to learn to fly. Up till now he hasn't had the money. It's an expensive sport. But now that he's retiring, he has the time and the money to go for it. I'd go up in a plane with him. He's healthy. His eyesight is good. And he has the benefit of years of living to teach him how to handle flying an airplane safely.

What about you? Surely, you're not finished with education? If you're under 40, you've only just begun!