Simple ”Language Trick” BOOSTS Your Brain (Study)

By Jack Taylor Posted December 22, 2021

Memory. It’s the one thing we all want to hold onto as we age. 

And if you’ve caught yourself forgetting simple things… or you’ve found yourself mid-conversation not being able to locate the right word… chances are you may be a little worried that your brain isn’t as sharp as it once was. 

While mainstream docs will tell you that this kind of forgetfulness is a normal part of the aging process, you DON’T have to sit back and wait for it to possibly get worse. 

A new study has shown that a simple “language trick” could BOOST your brain power, and it’s something you can start doing today! 

Remember those days when you took a foreign language class (like Spanish or French) as part of your high school – or even college – education? 

Perhaps you learned enough to pass your tests, but there’s a good chance you never became fluent in whatever language you studied. 

Well, my friend, it may be time to dust off those old foreign language books! 

That’s because according to a new study, learning a second language could actually boost your brain power… even during old age!  

According to a study published in the journal Aging Neuropsychology and Cognition, studying a second language can provide a serious cognitive boost for aging minds.  

The benefits of being fluent in another language are well-documented, with numerous studies finding that being bilingual can help prevent or delay dementia onset. 

However, this new study has found that simply studying another language – and not being completely fluent – is good for your overall brain health.  

Over the course of three months, the study looked at adults aged 65-75 and found that participants who studied Spanish showed significant improvements for two important cognitive categories: working memory and executive function. These two categories help you stay focused, avoid distractions, and deal with conflicting information. 

In other words, simply dabbling in learning a second language can help improve your day-to-day memory and brain power.  

And here’s more good news… 

You don’t need to enroll in Spanish or French 101! 

Learning a second language can be as simple as getting on your computer. 

Online language courses like Babbel and Rosetta Stone are great ways to learn a new language – or bone up on a language you learned in the past – from the comfort and convenience of your own home.  

There are also plenty of conventional ways to learn a second language.  

Your local library will have books and texts to help you learn a new language. 

You can also check out introductory-level language classes at your local community college (many of which can be done online and at your own pace).