One of the biggest myths, we believe, is that people over a certain age are unable to learn a new language. However, the fact is that even at the later stage of life, you can still choose to study a second language, such as the Chinese Mandarin. 

People over the age of 50 are interested in participating in social study groups and attending overseas study classes. They’re open to the idea of growing their mind and keeping their brains healthy, and they want to see the world while doing it.

In this blog post, we’re cutting ties with this myth and sharing five compelling reasons why you should learn a second language, such as learning the Chinese language later in life.

DELAY AGING

The first thing is that speaking two languages helps delay dementia (there are more benefits of speaking a second language). A study conducted by researchers at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences took 648 seniors with varying forms of dementia and literacy. Participants who spoke a second language could delay Alzheimer’s Disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia by 4.5 years.

Speaking a second language requires a specific type of brain training, and switching between two languages needs a certain type of attention. That part of the brain, if used and exercised, could be what delays certain types of dementia.

KEEPING YOUR MIND SHARP & BRAIN HEALTHY

In addition to delaying dementia, learning the Chinese language in China allows you to remind yourself what is possible to achieve if you put your mind to it.

Studying Mandarin Chinese involves memorizing grammar rules, different tones, and all of the vocabulary. It’s a workout for your brain, and once you start practicing the language, your recall will improve. We also listed out useful tips to study basic Chinese content for Mandarin learners. 

People who are bilingual or are learning another language are typically better at remembering lists, directions, and sequences.

GETTING MORE FROM YOUR TRAVEL ADVENTURES

One of the best perks of learning another language is that it allows you to travel abroad. Temporarily say goodbye to your house, get someone else to water your garden, and begin to live your worldly travel dreams!

One way to reach at least one of your bucket list locations is to study that country’s language. By learning Mandarin in China, you will be able to travel and visit many attractive Chinese cities. For example, when you study Mandarin Chinese in Kunming at Keats School, you cannot only enjoy a great time in the “Eternal Spring City” but also other beautiful locations. Dali and Lijiang are the most classical touring line; Puzhehei owns the amazing karst landscape of rivers and mountains; Yuanyang is the home of the Intangible Cultural Heritage – terrace fields; Xishuangbanna can bring you the most tropical experience in China; Tengchong and Jianshui are both important border ancient towns for exploring; Jingmai Tea Mountain will let you know more about the Chinese tea. Combining the Chinese language learning and touring together, you will gain more from your adventure.

Once you begin learning your second language, it will help traveling become easier for you (learn more about the benefits of learning Chinese as a second language). Even learning a few words will lead to experiences you wouldn’t experience if you stuck to the tourist streets.

SOCIALIZE

Signing up for a second language course, such as an Intensive One-on-one Chinese course, is a great way for you to meet other people who share the same interests in language and culture as you. There are more facts you need to know about the intensive one-on-one Chinese program. As a mature student, there is increasing interest in cultural meetups, community programs, and extracurricular activities. There are various things you can do when studying and living in Kunming. 

These are all great ways to socialize and meet new people while studying a second language abroad.

The friends you meet abroad could become some of your longest-lasting friendships.

ENHANCING CULTURAL APPRECIATION

Learning the Chinese language is very useful. A new language gives you a newfound appreciation for the movies (8 films you need to watch for learning Chinese), books, and city streets of that country. It makes you want to become a local to be able to live like they do without thinking, “do I look out of place here?”

Once you start to understand the language, you will want to get outside the classroom more and experience your surroundings. Say yes to travel days, group trips, and volunteering experiences. These will deepen your connection with your new city and language.

Plus, once you get out and start reading and learning about the country and the city’s culture, your family will see you as a professional (learning more about the advantages of learning Chinese as an adult). They’ll be able to ask you anything, and you’ll probably know the answer. 

That’s what having a love for learning, language, and education does to a person!

THE TIME IS NOW

For the monolingual people, the time to change is now. Research shows that adults who decide to learn a foreign language are completely capable of becoming highly proficient.

There are so many reasons to learn a second language as an adult. Not only will it build your social circle but it builds your brain power too.

If you’re interested in learning Mandarin in Kunming, China, contact Keats School today. We offer several different courses that could be of interest to more mature students.