Learning other languages has cognitive benefits for learners of all ages.
- You become smarter
- You build multitasking skills
- You stave off Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Your memory improves
- You become more perceptive
- Your decision-making skills improve
- You improve your English
Taken from Why learn a foreign language? Benefits of bilingualism (Telegraph, 19 June 2013)
Research suggests that age shouldn’t put you off learning a new language. Bilingualism Matters at Edinburgh University recently conducted research that suggests learning a second language can bring cognitive benefits in later life – even when that second language is acquired in adulthood (Speaking two languages may slow brain aging).
Further research highlights the possible cognitive benefits of speaking more than one language, including delayed onset of dementia symptoms and slower cognitive decline in older adults. These new findings suggest that you don’t have to speak a second language from a very young age in order to reap the benefits (Late language learners show improved mental agility).
Read more:
Am I too old to learn a new language? (Guardian, 13 September 2015)
Are children really better at foreign language learning? (Telegraph, 18 September 2013)