We’ve all heard the claim that kids are better at learning languages. Unfortunately, that narrative is not totally true. No one is too old to learn. It’s time to bust all those myths and talk about how and why learning a second language actually works at any age, even in your 70s.
The best time to learn a new language is always right now!
If you are an adult who really wants to learn a new language, don’t worry, you haven’t missed out yet! There’s still time and tons of benefits of learning a second language at an older age.
Can you be too old to learn a new language?
Absolutely not! There are plenty of examples of older people learning a new language. According to the theory of neuroplasticity, adults can learn new information (create neurons) in their brain through a different environment and experience; they create new understanding from previously learned information. So adults can learn a foreign language but will need different methods than mindless memorization (a.k.a. immersion and practical application).
It may be easier to learn languages as a kid, but it does not progressively get harder as you age. And if you feel like learning a second language is vital for your job or life abroad, your brain will absorb the new information by applying it.
Your ability to learn vocabulary in a new language stays pretty much the same after your brain finishes developing in your mid-twenties. And as long as you learn with the right methods, a seventy-five-year-old should be able to learn a new language just as well as someone in their thirties! It just depends on how much you actively practice it.
READ: 10 Best Ways to Learn a New Language
Why is it harder to learn a language when older?
Don’t let the thought of being “too old” stop you from doing what you want to do.
There are a couple of theories as to why it gets harder to learn a language when you’re older. The first is what we mentioned above: brain development. When you learn a new language, you are forming neural pathways in your brain.
And when your brain is finished developing, making new neural pathways is harder. But, according to the new research on neuroscience mentioned previously, even adults can build these new neurons if trained correctly.
The second theory is about how much time people devote to learning a new language. Kids and teenagers can spend hours a day studying languages, mostly because they have designated classes in school for it (and they don’t work full-time).
This makes learning a new language much easier—and quicker. This doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to learn a second language at an older age, just that it might take a little longer. Slow and steady wins the race!
READ: Why You Should Learn a Foreign Language Online
4 benefits of learning a foreign language at an older age
1. More opportunities for practice
You can practice at a local bar or cafe while on a language program abroad.
When learning a new language, application is essential! It’s much easier to remember vocabulary when you use it in the context it’s meant for. When learning a language as an adult, you have access to situations that can totally help with context.
For example, it might be easier for you, an adult, to learn medical vocabulary because you can practice it on your next trip to the doctor. Or, you might excel at grocery vocabulary because you have to use it on your next trip to the store.
2. It’s good for your brain
Making new neural pathways in your brain (like you do when you learn a new language) is great for your brain. Think of it like cognitive exercise; forming neural pathways is like growing your brain muscle. The more you do it, the stronger your brain gets.
In fact, a recent study showed that dementia hits five years later for bilingual people than it does for people who only know one language. The takeaway? Learning a new language is good for your brain health.
3. Make new friends!
Sometimes getting older means you have fewer opportunities to meet new people. Learning a new language is a great way to combat that. If you take a language class, there will be tons of people to interact (and practice) with.
You’ll have a bunch of new friends in no time. And, if you decide to take your language skills abroad, you’ll meet new people that way as well. (You’ll have an easier time making French friends if you know French!)
4. Improve faster with the latest technology
Practice speaking in your target language while on your daily commute.
Chances are if you tried to learn a language as a kid, you were stuck in the classroom with a textbook. But technology has come a long way since you were a kid! Learning a language has never been easier with the tech available to us.
Instead of having to be in a classroom, you can just download one of the many language apps. There are tons that will walk you through a short lesson every day, making learning a new language easy and doable.
3 language programs for older adults
1. Intensive Spanish Course for Adults in Mini Groups
- Why? This program matches people with similar skill levels into a mini-group for language learning. That means no matter if you’re a total beginner or solidly medium, you’ll be matched with people who are about the same. And the small class size means extra attention from the teacher! All this makes learning way easier and more enjoyable.
- Where? Spain
- What? Spanish
- Read Centro MundoLengua reviews
2. German Courses in Freiburg, Germany
- Why? This program offers a variety of levels, including standard, intensive, premium, exam preparation to private, and combinations of each. The flexibility also extends to accommodation, with options of a host family, apartment, or hotel/ bed and breakfast. The school also offers immersion activities such as city sightseeing, movie nights, cooking classes, and other awesome excursions.
- Where? Germany
- What? German
- Read Alpadia Language School reviews
3. Learn Japanese in Tokyo, Japan!
- Why? You’re never too old to learn a new language with this program in Tokyo, Japan. This program will help you learn Japanese as well as gain a deep understanding of Japanese culture. Included in the cost of the program are airport-pick-up, a homestay or private dormitory with local transportation pass, medical insurance, and numerous educational excursions and cultural activities in and around Tokyo.
- Where? Japan
- What? Japanese
- Read KCP International Japanese Language School reviews
Talk to our Online Advisor and get matched with 5 language programs for FREE
You’re never too old to gain a new skill!
Connect with the world on a new level when you learn a second language.
Traveling abroad doesn’t have an age limit and neither should learning a new language! No matter if you’re twenty years old or over sixty, you can learn a new language. It’s good for your brain, your social life, and your traveling abroad experiences. You’ll have tons of chances to practice the language and tech only makes it easier. So get out there and start learning a new language today!
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