Change careers. Live longer. Stay sharp.

Lost your job, or lost interest in your current career? Congratulations, you just might extend your lifespan. As odd as it sounds, researchers now say that returning to college for a new degree or continuing education keeps your mind fit despite your age. If you're among the many Americans facing a midlife crisis, take heart that shifting gears has a greater long-term upside than you imagine.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University's Department of Psychology say they now have evidence that adults shifting their goals in their middle years discover a Second Act in life, blasting the stereotype that our brains get lazy and deteriorate. On the contrary, says Professor Carlo Strenger. He asserts that by middle age we have a better idea of our strengths, desires, and skills than younger people just starting out on the career path.

Solid career advice: Stop worrying and keep learning

Scientists have been saying lately that longevity is pegged to the level of education. Looking at the relationship between ongoing learning and life expectancy, Harvard Medical School researchers found that adults gain on average eight additional years in their lives simply by attending college. In a study of people in 2000, researchers reported the less educated group had an expectancy of 75 years, while the more-educated Americans could expect to reach 82.

And there are other studies that only underline those findings. RAND Corporation researchers found a greater value for education when it comes to having a long life than being stress free, having money, a family, and lots of friends.

Director of the UCLA Center on Aging, Dr. Gary Small recommends vigorous academic "cross training" as a way of engaging your mind in online learning to not only build fresh job skills, but to keep the frontal cortex stimulated. A Harris Poll found that 14 million Americans over retirement age spend time online every day, keeping their brains engaged.

So if you're suddenly pressed with the knowledge that you're going to have to return to college for additional training to advance or change careers, drop your negative thinking about all the work ahead!

Online education and career advice

Change is inevitable while suffering is only optional. Embrace your new opportunities. In many cases, today's online college students have a sharp career focus, aren't interested in attending fraternity parties, or adjusting to life in a sterile classroom where they nervously tap pencils on the table. Online colleges don't need to interfere with your family commitments, either, and if you're working a dead-end job, they can prepare you for a career change.

If you're returning to school, think about courses or degree work that builds on your existing skills, maturity, and experiences even if you're considering a career change. If you feel stuck, consider:

• Career counseling and self-assessment testing
• Networking with peers and mentors to explore uncharted territory
• Identifying the most-important values in your life
• Listing your strengths and job skills
• Identifying online education options that map to your heartfelt interests and personal goals
• Creating a plan for reaching your next career goals in the shortest time
• Contacting colleges, universities, and trade schools to evaluate their offerings

Finding what lies beneath a career change

Career changes are usually powered by two main factors: boredom or economic challenges. It can be disastrous to walk off your job just because you hate your boss or the mundane, everyday office life. Before you burn bridges, a self-assessment is in order. If the bottom line is earnings, it may be wise to evaluate high-growth careers projected for the next decade.

A great place to start is with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The government organization evaluates ten-year estimates for in-demand professions and cites the education necessary to build your credentials. Often, you can prepare for a career change by adding a new degree or certification that builds on your existing skills. It may pay dividends to stick with your current job while you earn an online degree to facilitate the change.

The best news of all is that simply by learning, you'll enhance your quality of life. You'll enrich your mind and build fresh neural synapses to power your later years. Now that's exciting!