Final answer:
Humans can learn throughout life due to neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reform and reorganize neural pathways, including the creation of new synapses and neurons.
Step-by-step explanation:
Humans can learn new things at any stage of life due to the brain's ability to reform and reorganize neural pathways through a process called neuroplasticity. This adaptability enables the brain to compensate for injury, adjust to new experiences, and facilitate learning. Neuroplasticity can involve the creation of new synapses, the pruning of unused synapses, alterations in glial cells, and even the birth of new neurons, a process known as neurogenesis. Neurogenesis plays a crucial role in learning, with approximately 1,000 new neurons developing daily in the hippocampus, which is integral for learning and memory. While many of these neurons will not survive, their increased numbers are associated with better learning outcomes. The ability of the brain to continuously adapt throughout life, particularly through neuroplasticity, makes learning possible at any life stage.