Promoting Second Language Learning in Older Adults

With the unprecedented global increase in the number of people over 60 years old, governments, communities and organisations are now considering how they will need to develop and evolve in order to manage, care for and support older people in the new demographic order. Ageing has many detrimental effects on the health of individuals both physically and psychologically. To improve the quality of life and reduce the burden on both families and communities, it is essential for elderly individuals to have an active lifestyle after passing the age of retirement. This article will show the benefits of learning a foreign language particularly in older age and its results on ensuring healthy cognitive functions. Research shows that being able to communicate in a foreign language not only delays cognitive decline but can also protect against the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. This article will further demonstrate that despite common thought to the contrary, older adults learning a second language can achieve levels of proficiency affording opportunities not only to communicate effectively to other cultures and peoples, but also opportunities for self-development through greater knowledge and self-awareness, and increased confidence. In doing so individuals are capable of countering the often negative perceptions of old people in society.departmental bulletin pape