Tonight was my 613th day streak of learning French on Duolingo – and I’m having so much fun with it. My mother was from Quebec, Canada, the only French-speaking province in Canada, so a lot of French was spoken in my home growing up. While I picked up quite a bit by osmosis, I grew up in a city where Spanish was really the second language and since I was immersed in it at school and in the community, I ended up being almost fluent by the time I was in my late teens. I always wanted to go back to study French, though, and after traveling to Montreal and Quebec City a few years ago and realizing I could still understand and speak the language (to a point) I decided it was time.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
I’ve also read a lot about the benefits gained from learning a new language at any age so that intrigued me as well. Learning a language later in life offers many cognitive, social, and even emotional benefits. Here are a few of the key advantages:
Cognitive Health, Brain Stimulation, Memory Enhancement:
Learning a language involves memorizing vocabulary, grammar rules, and phrases, which helps improve memory and recall.
Enhanced Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills:
Navigating a new language strengthens critical thinking, as you have to think about language structure and then apply it practically.
Delay in Cognitive Decline:
Research shows that bilingualism can delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s by several years, as language learning promotes brain plasticity and keeps the mind active.
Improved Focus and Attention and Better Multitasking:
Switching between languages enhances the brain’s executive function, improving focus and attention and ability to multitask.
Enhanced Concentration:
Learning a language trains the brain to filter out irrelevant information, sharpening focus and attention skills, which can benefit other areas of life.
Cultural Enrichment and Broader Perspective:
Language and culture are intertwined, so learning a language gives insight into another culture, customs, and perspectives, which can be enriching.
Empathy and Open-Mindedness:
Engaging with another language often leads to a greater appreciation for diversity, helping people become more empathetic and open-minded.
Social Connection and Emotional Well-Being:
Speaking another language can lead to new friendships, travel opportunities, and connections with native speakers or fellow learners.
Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem:
The process of mastering a new language builds confidence and a sense of achievement, especially when you start to communicate in it.
Sense of Achievement, Mental Agility and Lifelong Learning:
Learning a language later in life shows the mind’s adaptability, supporting the idea that we can continue to learn and grow at any age.
Boosted Motivation and Productivity:
Engaging in a complex task like language learning can increase motivation for other areas of life, making you more productive overall.
So, while language learning is often associated with younger learners, the benefits for older adults are just as significant, if not more so! It supports mental sharpness, offers new perspectives, and provides meaningful social connections well into later life.
I’m thinking about Italian next…..