7 Reasons to Learn a New Language as an Adult

When people think about learning a new language, they often imagine it’s something best done in childhood—or that once you hit a certain age, the window has closed. But that’s just not true. In fact, older adults often bring a mix of focus, life experience, and motivation that can make language learning not only possible, but deeply rewarding.

Whether you’re thinking ahead to a big trip, looking for a new challenge in retirement, or just want to connect with people in a more meaningful way, learning a second language might be more within reach than you think. It’s a hobby that exercises your brain, opens new doors, and adds something fresh and exciting to your daily life.

If you’ve always been interested in learning a foreign language, there are many reasons why now may be the perfect time to take up this challenge.

It’s Easier Than You Think

A common assumption is that the younger you are, the easier it is to learn a new language. While it's true that younger brains can more quickly form and restructure synaptic connections to aid language acquisition, older adults have other advantages that level the learning field.

• Better Learners – Older adults, especially retirees, often have the time and a focused work ethic to put in the necessary effort to make progress.
• Larger Vocabularies – Decades of life experience have provided older adults with a vast reservoir of words to help them make associations in the new language.
• More Motivated – With maturity comes the ability to make and achieve more realistic goals.

In addition, innovative technologies like Babbel, Duolingo, and Rosetta Stone allow the study of a new language online from the comfort of home or on the go with a mobile phone.

A Fulfilling Retirement Pastime

While there are many fun hobbies or pastimes available to retirees, learning a new language stands out as one that is not only enjoyable but can bring a great sense of satisfaction. The utility of knowing a second language goes beyond simply making travel more interesting. Being multilingual opens opportunities for connecting with a broader range of people in a variety of circumstances, such as sponsoring refugee families or helping other newly arrived immigrants. Applying second language skills in these situations not only gives you satisfaction but also provides a crucial humanitarian service for those in need.

Brain Health

Learning a new language can enhance brain function and stave off dementia. Brain scans have shown that bilingual people have stronger connections between parts of the brain, which leads to delaying the effects of dementia. For example, one study showed that bilingual subjects showed dementia symptoms four years later than those who spoke only one language.

Improved Decision-Making and Other Mental Skills

A 2023 Guardian article reported:

“Besides altering the quality of our memories, switching between languages can influence people’s financial decision-making and their appraisal of moral dilemmas. By speaking a second language, we can even become more rational, more open-minded and better equipped to deal with uncertainty. This phenomenon is known as the ‘foreign language effect’ and the benefits may be an inspiration for anyone who would like to enrich their mind with the words of another tongue.”

Also, research from the University of Chicago found that people can make more rational economic decisions if they do so in a non-native language. The authors concluded that this happens because thinking through a problem in another language causes the decision-maker to be more deliberate in the process.

More Enjoyable Travel

Many people plan to travel more in their later years. Knowing the language of a destination culture can thoroughly enhance the travel experience. Not only is a trip less stressful when you understand and are understood, but the local populace will feel more accepting of visitors who make the effort to communicate in their tongue.

Experiencing another country's cuisine can be a highlight of foreign travel. Being able to read menus or ask relevant questions at restaurants and other tourist attractions can greatly enhance cultural understanding and help to avoid ordering “local delicacies” that might exceed your gastronomic limits.

Another travel advantage is greater safety and security. Knowing the local language can help by:

• Knowing how to read street or business signs to avoid getting lost in unfamiliar environments.
• Being able to communicate with local authorities if the victim of a crime.
• Understanding medical terminology if there is a need to seek healthcare services.

Learn About Different Cultures

When you learn a foreign country's language, you can more easily understand its books, movies, literature, and culture. For example, reading a novel in the original language can reveal nuances in the writing that a translated version fails to capture. Recognizing subtle changes in phrases or cultural expressions will enhance the reading experience. Also, when meeting someone from another country visiting the U.S., speaking to them in their native language will help them feel more comfortable and welcome.

Making New Friends

Language classes can provide an excellent opportunity to meet new people and make new friends in several ways. First, in classes you are likely to meet others who share your interests in language and other cultures. Second, whether traveling or at home, communicating with people in their mother tongue makes creating cross-cultural connections and friendships immensely easier.

Learning a new language has a lot of benefits for older adults that go beyond simply making travel more enjoyable. It can open up a new world of possibilities and relationships that otherwise might not have been possible.

Are you ready to learn a new language? Check out our post, 6 Ways to Learn a New Language in Retirement!

What do you think? Have you learned a language in retirement? What was your favorite part?