This article is in partnership with Day Translations.

One of the articles featured in the third issue of The Linguist Magazine explores the concept of how learning languages in adulthood and in later life can have a positive effect on our brains, especially with regards to preventing or slowing down cognitive decline.

Studies on Multilingualism and Ageing

A 2017 study looked at elderly people in Europe (defined as people over 60 years old) where it is being estimated that by 2050 senior people will make about a third of the overall population. It is also forecast that there will be an increase in the occurrence of cognitive decline diseases due to the ageing population.

In an effort to counteract cognitive decline, language learning is being presented as a positive strategy to keep the brain active in old age.

Factors such as proficiency in another language and the number of languages spoken contribute to the overall brain wellness.

Do you know what is even better than studying languages in old age to stay mentally sharp? Learning music, too, alongside languages. A 2023 study looked at the performance in tests to check the mental acuity of elderly people and it found that those people who challenge their brain by learning both languages and music experience healthy ageing. This particular study engaged a sample of more than 160,000 elderly individuals living in The Netherlands.

The key is to have intense experiences that include interacting with other people, either playing an instrument or singing and learning languages.

Being able to speak multiple languages is a complex activity that is very stimulating for the brain and therefore can help prevent dementia or limit its damaging effects on the brain. Ultimately, the study also admitted that the inverse is also true: those individuals with higher cognitive abilities and higher social skills are more likely to engage in complex learning and stimulating activities because they enjoy feeling engaged both socially and intellectually.

“Cognitive Gymnastics”

The Linguist Magazine uses the expression “cognitive gymnastics” related to learning multiple languages because our brains are processing not only large quantities of information but also the information is often complex and requires sophisticated thinking.

It is argued that the brain needs exercise just like the body does and languages provide an excellent mental challenge.

Speaking in another language to other people is compared to doing a mental workout.

The mental agility that is required to switch from one language to another has been found to be an essential component to slow down mental ageing and mental decline. Those individuals who can speak two languages are being defined as having a “bilingual advantage” over monolingual individuals and this shows itself as being able to complete more difficult tasks.

An interesting positive side effect of learning languages and keeping your brain engaged is that these activities build not only resilience but also a reservoir of brain resources that counteract mental decline.

Basically learning languages and having an active lifestyle are comparable to making an investment in the future mental health and having a kind of insurance policy against future brain impairment. Of course, there is no guarantee that even by ticking all these boxes we won’t encounter issues and completely prevent dementia, but the evidence points at the benefits of active brain engagement and the damaging effects of isolation and lack of new experiences that include learning.