There is a saying: “Learn until you grow old, and live until you grow old.”

Crystal Mirkazemi | WBN News – Vancouver | January 15, 2026   

I’ve always found this interesting, because most people don’t actually live this way. We say we value learning, but in practice, curiosity often shows up only when it directly threatens our livelihood.

I see this all the time. When someone receives a diagnosis, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, cognitive decline then suddenly they become deeply curious. They want to know everything: causes, symptoms, timelines, prevention, outcomes. Yet before that moment, the same information existed, available and accessible, and there was little to no interest. It makes you ask an uncomfortable question: why do we wait to learn until something is at risk?

Learning, for many, becomes reactive rather than intentional. We learn when we must, not when we can.

And that’s a missed opportunity. True growth happens when curiosity is proactive and when we choose to understand, not because we are afraid, but because we want to live better, longer, and more fully.

As we enter January, a month often associated with awareness around cognitive health and conditions like Alzheimer’s. This is a reminder worth taking seriously, that 'memory is not something to think about only when it begins to fail. It is something to exercise, protect, and enjoy while it is strong'.

Learning new skills, engaging in meaningful conversations, staying socially connected, reading, writing, moving the body, and doing activities that challenge memory and comprehension are not just hobbies — they are investments in mental longevity. These are the small, daily decisions that compound over time.

Learning was never meant to stop at survival. It is meant to enhance life. And when we choose curiosity before crisis, we don’t just extend our years! We improve the quality of how we live them!

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Crystal Mirkazemi | WBN News – Vancouver

My mission is to empower you to think big and build solutions for your family and business. Every milestone of life's journey is a chance to appreciate a financial plan. As I always say: Your most significant asset to be independent lies in your attitude towards money.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalmirkazemi/

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Tags: #WBN News Vancouver #Crystal Mirkazemi #Digital World
#Modern Finance #Lifelong Learning #Adapt And Thrive
#Learning Culture #Mindset Matters #Intentional Living