Many advantages come with learning a second language, not the least of which is better cognitive abilities. If you have an older relative who is thinking of learning a new language, here are some things to keep in mind.

The advantages of learning a foreign language

The advantages of learning a second language are both psychological and cognitive in nature and are discussed below. Bialystok and other researchers have demonstrated that learning more than one language strengthens the brain's ability to withstand some of the most frequent difficulties associated with dementia and other age-related cognitive disorders.

Some experts believe that through acquiring a second language, the brain develops the ability to "reason" its way through challenges and that this skill becomes critical in preventing dementia in later life.

Physical changes in the brain that can occur as people age may still occur in those who have learned another language, but because the brain has practiced approaching things from new angles, the brain may be able to overcome or at the very least mitigate any decrease in function that would normally result from the changes, according to this theory.

Like a bank account, you can think of your cognitive reserve as follows...

Annie Murphy is a published author. According to Paul's story in Time magazine, the concept of "cognitive reserve" refers to the idea that the brain may suffer the physical changes associated with old age while still functioning at a high level. People who have a considerable quantity of "cognitive reserve," was discovered by researchers Schweizer and colleagues, are less harmed by Alzheimer's disease than individuals who do not have such cognitive reserves, even when there has been significant brain shrinkage.

You might think of your cognitive reserve as a bank account, and the physical changes that occur in your brain as you age as withdrawals from that account as you grow older. It does not matter how large your cognitive reserve is; however if you start with a larger account, the withdrawals will still leave you with a positive balance when the withdrawals are completed.

If you have a little account, on the other hand, the same withdrawals will cause you to become cognitively "bankrupt." The researchers also discovered that acquiring a second language made a considerable contribution to a person's overall cognitive reserves.

The fact that acquiring an extra language is advantageous in retaining cognitive capacities that might otherwise be lost as a result of old age is undisputed, regardless of the physiological concerns that may be involved. Among the advantages include an improvement in reading abilities as well as longer attention spans and an improved capacity to concentrate.

Is it too late for you to learn a new language?

Many older persons may believe that, while learning a second language may have advantages, they are too old to profit from such opportunities. It is fortunate that this is not the case! According to the findings of a study performed by Dr. Thomas Bak of the University of Edinburgh, these advantages are still evident even though the person did not acquire the language until maturity.

If you have an older loved one who is considering learning a new language (or engaging in any other activity such as playing an instrument, which has also been found to help develop cognitive reserve), you should urge him or her to do so, regardless of their age.

There are several more advantages of learning a new language.

Other advantages of learning a new language include being able to combat the consequences of cognitive decline and improving one's communication skills. First and foremost, enrolling in language lessons will frequently provide an opportunity for the older person in your life to go out of the house and meet new people. Sometimes the socializing that occurs as a result of enrolling in a language course will serve as its own reward.

For the second time, by learning a new language, your older loved one will realize that he or she is capable of undertaking challenging tasks. Having more self-confidence will help to boost your mood. Because of his or her greater self-assurance, it is more probable that he or she will be willing to branch out and experiment with new things.

Another advantage of learning a new language is that it will be beneficial if your senior loved one decides to travel during his or her retirement. Whilst this may not be an option for all senior people, the fact remains that an increasing number of individuals over the age of 65 have the ability to travel in terms of their physical, mental, and financial well-being. By learning a new language, your older loved one may be able to make that long car rides a little more pleasant.

Conclusion

Learning a new language will aid in the preservation of the cognitive capacities of your senior loved one. Additionally, it will boost one's self-esteem and may even provide an opportunity for additional socialization opportunities. You may start learning a new language at any point in your life, and you will gain the benefits of doing so.