Lifestyle Benefits of Learning a New Language 2/27/2024 | By Terri L. Jones Many Americans take required language classes during school, but their learning often stops there. After all, what purpose could there be in knowing a second language except to aid communication when traveling? And since people in other countries often know English, even that isn’t necessary. However, there are other benefits of learning a new language that make it worth reconsidering – even in our later years. Seniors Guide writer Terri L. Jones explains. Research on the benefits of studying and using a second language have covered casual learners as well as people who are bilingual and speak in more than one language on a regular basis. Recent research has found that bilingualism offers benefits beyond communication. The rigorous cognitive work required to speak two languages on a regular basis can actually strengthen your brain and delay the onset of dementia for four to five years. When you’re speaking a second language in your day-to-day life, your brain must constantly switch between your native language and your new language. That requires that you inhibit your original language or, in other words, not let it distract you. By exercising this process, called cognitive inhibition, you may also be improving other executive functions, including the ability to stay focused on tasks and control impulses and, in the process, building your brain’s reserve. While this reserve won’t prevent dementia, it does make your brain more resilient to impairment from the disease. Mario Mendez, M.D., Ph.D., director of neurobehavior at the VA Greater Los Angeles and professor of neurology and psychiatry at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, led a study on this topic. Patients “are getting the disease, but they are not expressing it with clinical impairment or symptoms until further on,” Mendez says. Learning a new language But what if you’re just learning a second language in later life? Does that confer the same cognitive benefits if you aren’t using it regularly? In some studies, those learning a new language showed improvement on cognitive tests, while other studies found no change at all. In one such study, language students did not increase their cognitive domain scores, but those who were not studying a language saw a decline. This may indicate a case of cognitive reserve in the language-learning students. Despite the lack of strong evidence supporting cognitive impact from casual use of a second language, most researchers agree that challenging your brain in this way offers benefits. “Anything that shocks your system, not just bilingualism, but anything that is a change in your routine is a good thing,” explains John Grundy, assistant professor of psychology at Iowa State University. “Anything that challenges your brain in a way that allows you to become more efficient over time leads to multiple networks and pathways to get to the same outcomes.” More benefits of learning a new language The cognitive benefits of learning a new language are only the tip of the iceberg. Because English is so widely used around the world, it’s easy to rest on your laurels and not even try to speak the language when you travel. However, learning to communicate in the language of these countries (even if only on a rudimentary level) shows respect. It also opens you up to experiences you may not have if you only speak English. Even here in the U.S., speaking with visitors in their language shows respect and thoughtfulness. Given that the legal immigrant population has grown by 29% in the U.S., contributing to the nation’s strong employment growth, you could easily find opportunities to practice a new-to-you language. Similarly, having a rudimentary understanding of a second language can broaden your horizons. Not only can you feel more comfortable visiting international markets and restaurants, you can begin to have a better understanding of a different culture. While learning new languages is strengthening your brain, it will also be expanding your world. Those are more than enough reasons to start learning a new language soon! Related: ‘Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age’ Deciding where to retire abroad Learning opportunities Language classes are available in most metro areas through colleges and universities, lifelong learning programs, municipal parks and recreation programs, and so on. If those will not work with your schedule, you can check out language learning apps for your smartphone, computer, and tablet. Language learning apps: Duolingo.com Babbel.com Rosetta Stone.com Pimsleur.com Mondly.com Read More Terri L. Jones Terri L. Jones has been writing educational and informative topics for the senior industry for over ten years, and is a frequent and longtime contributor to Seniors Guide.