Learning foreign languages in older age delivers negligible cognitive benefits despite popular claims. A rigorous randomized controlled study of 160 healthy seniors found that 11 weeks of Italian language training produced no meaningful improvements in verbal intelligence, spatial intelligence, working memory or other cognitive abilities compared to relaxation training. The supposed brain benefits are likely just statistical noise.
Speaking multiple languages provides powerful protection against aging and extends healthy lifespan by years. A comprehensive study of over 86,000 adults across 27 European countries found monolinguals were 2.1 times more likely to experience accelerated aging. Multilingual individuals showed consistent protection across all age groups with dose-response benefits.
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.17.0