The Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language at an Older Age

Bonnes nouvelles.
Buone notizie.
Buenas noticias.

Or in English, good news. Because if you think you’re too old to learn a foreign language, it’s time to think again. Research is showing you’re never too old to start, and there are many benefits of learning a foreign language at an older age.

At Meadow Ridge, intellectual curiosity is part of everyday life, and learning a new language is one of many ways residents continue to challenge themselves and grow.

Not Just for Kids

Many people think that learning new languages ideally happens when we’re children and becomes harder as we age. This belief stems from the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form and restructure synaptic connections. While it’s true that this ability decreases as we age, many experts now believe learning a foreign language at an older age is no harder than when you’re a child.

In fact, older adults have some advantages over children in studying and learning a foreign language. According to the International Center for Language Studies, “With many learning experiences under their belts, older adults have usually developed a good understanding of how they learn best and can put this knowledge at the service of their language learning experience.”

Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language

Mastering a new language is like sending your brain to the gym. Your brain needs exercise and the process of learning a foreign language, or even just a new word every day, can structurally and functionally alter the brain. It actually develops new neural pathways, makes new connections and adds flexibility.

Here’s some motivation to expand your language skills. Scientists have found that people who can speak more than one language tend to develop dementia up to five years later than monolingual people.

While the science is uncertain on exactly why this phenomenon occurs, speaking more than one language is thought to lead to better development of the areas of the brain that handle executive functions and attention tasks, which may help protect from the onset of dementia.

Technology Helps

Learning a foreign language at an older age is now even easier with so much useful technology available. The best language learning apps can help you build a vocabulary, develop proper grammar and eventually become fluent through lessons that are easy to digest and retain. By using your own device to practice a language through features such as voice recognition and interactive multimedia exercises, you’ll likely feel more motivated to learn.

These are a few of the most popular options including Duolingo and Babbel. Some are free, or have free options, while others require a fee. But you don’t have to be locked into one method. Language learning is all about trial and error. Try one approach and if you don’t like the results, try something else.

Do it Together

Learning and practicing a second language in a social setting creates great opportunities for fellowship. Sharing the same goal of learning a foreign language creates a base for all sorts of social activities, as well introducing you to a new culture and cuisine. Groups with seniors working on their language skills together may watch popular soap operas in Spanish, listen to an opera in German or enjoy a soccer match being announced in Italian.

Meadow Ridge has three language groups – French, Italian and Yiddish. Each group is run by residents and are more conversational than instructional. They’re a popular way for residents to socialize and practice speaking and understanding a new language.

In addition to language groups, residents can continue their intellectual pursuits through Meadow Ridge University, a resident-favorite, on-campus learning program offering college-style courses and lectures during the spring and fall terms. There are numerous on campus lectures, and a plethora of clubs and committees to get involved in, including:

• Conversational groups

• Book Club (with Mark Twain Library involvement)

• Information Technology Club

• Library Committee

• Finance Committee

• Marketing Committee

These experiences reflect the rhythm of life at Meadow Ridge—a community where learning continues, conversations matter and residents remain actively engaged in the ideas and interests that have always inspired them.