As we get older, it is important to realize that language learning benefits your mental health and has the potential to enhance one's quality of life. In recent years, one of the approaches seniors have started to take is to learn a new language. Studies have found that learning a language benefits the mind and can ward of certain diseases.
One study that was found in the New York Times in August 2012, showed that one of the benefits of learning a language included the ability to ward off both Alzheimer’s and dementia. These are two medical conditions that the senior
What happens is that when an older adult takes on learning a second language, it
does keep their mind healthy and active. This can help to ward off the onset
symptoms that progress into conditions such as Alzheimer's and dementia.
Of course, there are other language learning benefits when you reach your golden
years. When people reach the age of retirement, they often would love to travel
and see the world. By knowing several languages, you can enjoy a trip to a foreign
land and have the ability to interact with others in their native tongue, which will
only enhance the experience that you have.
Since you won’t be going alone, you will want to have people you care about to learn this language with you and that brings in the next of the benefits of learning a language. As an activity for you and friends, you will have the chance to connect
and bond while learning this language together. This will be a social interaction
that will provide you some quality time with someone you care about and it will
create some memories you can cherish for the rest of your life.
The last and for some greatest of the language learning benefits you will get, is
the ability to take pride in your accomplishment. Many people feel like they can’t
learn anything new once they’ve finished college or have reached a certain age.
What many seniors discover is a sense of pride in their accomplishments
and a new found confidence that may not have been there before which helps them discover a new meaning to their lives.
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to learning a new language, no matter how old you are. Take a moment to think about the different languages you might want to learn and look online for tools and resources that can guide you through the learning process. You can also enroll in your local community college. This can be a great way to meet new people, while learning a language at the same time.