Language Learning is not Just for the Young

At Na’atik we believe learning a second language is a rewarding experience at any stage in life. Common wisdom suggests that language learning is best done when young and that the older we get, the harder it is to pick up a new tongue/language. While there is some evidence to suggest that the very youngest students have some advantages over other learners, there is increasing recognition that we can continue learning languages at any age and that doing so can have significant benefits for older adults. Older adults may also have some advantages of their own when it comes to language learning. This is because older learners often bring more life experience and cognitive skills to the table, such as better problem-solving abilities or a greater understanding of grammar concepts. In addition, older adults are often highly motivated to learn a second language, which can help them overcome any obstacles they may encounter. In short, while there may be some challenges associated with learning a second language in older age, there is no reason to believe that it is inherently harder for older learners to do so. With the right motivation and approach, older learners can make significant progress in a new language and reap the many benefits that come with it.

There are many reasons why older adults might consider learning a second language. Some may want to travel to a different country and communicate with the locals, while others may want to communicate better with friends or family members who speak a different language. Still others may simply want to challenge themselves and keep their minds active.  

Regardless of the reason, there is no doubt that learning a second language can be a valuable pursuit for older adults. In this article, we will explore some of the benefits of learning a second language in older age and why Latin American Spanish might be a great choice for a second language.

Health benefits

It may seem strange to think of language learning as having a health benefit, however studies have consistently suggested that those who speak more than one language have better healthcare outcomes and may even have a higher life expectancy.

For older learners language study can contribute to keeping the mind sharp and agile, with research indicating that learning a new language can improve cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills for people of all ages. This is because the process of learning a new language involves not just memorizing words and grammar rules, but also actively using those skills to communicate.

Learning a second language can also delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline and dementia. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that bilingual individuals were able to maintain their cognitive abilities for longer than monolingual individuals, even in the face of age-related cognitive decline.

Social Benefits

Learning a second language always has potential social benefits, opening up the possibility of communicating with different people and in different ways. These benefits can be particularly important for older learners, especially those who worry about feelings of isolation or loneliness.  

The ability to build relationships with members of the community from different cultural backgrounds both increases the potential avenues of social interaction and can be incredibly enriching. In some cases, it can even enable people to speak with family members where communication was difficult in the past.

Travel Benefits

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of language learning is the way it can improve travel experiences. Even a few words of the local language can make all the difference when traveling abroad, especially if visiting a country for the first time. Not only does the ability to communicate with locals in your destination make the process of traveling easier, but it also helps gain the most from the experience. Being able to communicate specific needs can also be a substantial benefit for older adults.

It is also simply very rewarding to be able to speak with local people and not to rely on them having a good level of English.

Career Benefits

While career opportunities may not be the primary reason why older people choose to learn a second language, it is worth noting that there are many potential career benefits to doing so. For example, many companies operate globally and require employees who can speak multiple languages. By learning a second language, older people can make themselves more competitive in a job market that does not always place fair value on their experience.

In addition, learning a second language can provide older people with new opportunities to pursue their passions and interests. For example, they may be able to travel more extensively, attend cultural events and festivals, or even work or volunteer abroad.

Why Latin American Spanish?

While there are many languages to choose from, and each is worth learning in its own right, there are many reasons why Latin American Spanish might be a great choice for a second language for older people. For one, it is widely spoken across the Americas, including in popular tourist destinations like Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina. Over 400 million people worldwide speak Spanish, and while the majority of those speak Latin American Spanish, even those who do not, are able to understand it. This means that older people who learn Latin American Spanish will have access to a vast array of cultures, traditions, and experiences, many of which are also well represented within the United States.

In addition, Latin American Spanish is known for its clear and easy-to-understand pronunciation, which can make it easier for older learners to pick up. The grammar rules of Latin American Spanish, while different to those in English, are also generally considered to be more straightforward than those of other Romance languages, such as French or Italian. While learning any language is challenging and will take time, Spanish is widely viewed as one of the easier languages for English speakers to learn.

Finally, learning Latin American Spanish can also provide older people, particularly those living in the United States, with practical benefits. For example, if they live in a region with a large Spanish-speaking population, they may be able to communicate more effectively with their neighbors, doctors, and other service providers. This can have a positive impact on everything from their social lives to their health outcomes.

Na’atik is a nonprofit language institute based in the Zona Maya of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. As well as promoting the value of learning Mexican Spanish and Yucatec Maya through unique immersive learning experiences and online classes, Na’atik also runs a subsidized language education program for local and Indigenous children. Every language learning package purchased with Na’atik contributes directly to providing our local students with access to opportunities they cannot find elsewhere. Click here to learn more about how studying with Na’atik gives back to our community.