Why learning a new language could be the wellbeing habit you’re missing

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Why learning a language could be good for your brain

As much as I struggle to test my youngest son on his Spanish A-level homework, I can understand the appeal of why learning a language can be a rewarding experience. As someone who loves a challenge and mastering different skills, there’s something empowering about embracing something new, particularly as an adult. And with longevity being something I’m super invested in, I love the fact learning a new language ticks the box when it comes to boosting our mental and cognitive health.

It gives your memory a workout

According to counsellor Niloufar Esmaeilpour, founder of Lotus Therapy, learning a new language has so many positive benefits, including the fact it can help ward off things like dementia.

“Engaging in regular mental challenges strengthens neural pathways and helps delay the onset of memory decline and dementia symptoms,” she explained. “Memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules forces regular recall, which sharpens both short-term and long-term memory, while switching between languages trains the brain to filter out distractions and improve focus.”

Learning something new can boost confidence

And then there is the simple satisfaction you get as you make progress, even if you don’t end up speaking fluently.

“Mastering new phrases and overcoming communication hurdles triggers a sense of achievement and satisfies the brain’s reward system,” she added.

“Joining a language class or finding a conversation partner actively reduces isolation and builds community, while engaging in an enjoyable, goal-oriented hobby provides a renewed sense of purpose and emotional satisfaction.

“Treating study time like a physical workout creates positive structure and reduces daily stress. This consistent, repeated effort fosters neuroplasticity, driving physical changes in memory-related brain regions like the hippocampus to keep the mind flexible and adaptable.”

It can help you feel more connected

Perhaps best to explain the appeal of learning a language is Madeline Enos, who has seen first-hand how older people can reap the benefits of mastering this new skill. As the spokesperson for the global language learning marketplace Preply – that connects learners with expert tutors in 90+ languages – she lists connection, memory and multitasking skills, creativity and confidence as just a few of the benefits of doing so.

“Learning a language can be rewarding at any age but as you get older it has so many health benefits. Since it involves recalling words, listening closely and responding to new information, offering an engaging mental challenge, it’s excellent for the brain.

“It can also open up new experiences: having a conversation while traveling, connecting with family members or exploring another culture. Choosing a goal that matters to you gives learning a personal purpose.”

How to turn language learning into a wellbeing habit

As for building it into your life as a wellbeing routine, she adds:

“A regular lesson with a tutor gives learning a place in your week, with someone to guide you, encourage you and adapt the lessons to your interests. Between sessions, you can bring the language into things you already enjoy: listening to a podcast on a walk, watching a show with subtitles or reading about a favourite hobby. Start with a manageable routine that you look forward to.

“Regular practice creates opportunities to recognize progress: understanding a phrase you previously missed, remembering a useful expression or feeling more comfortable in a conversation. Those small milestones can bring a sense of achievement. Learning with a tutor also adds a regular opportunity for human connection, someone who gets to know your interests, helps you work through challenges and celebrates your progress.”

You only need 10 or 15 minutes

For those of you who can’t commit to spending a lot of time on learning a new language but who still want to try, even ten or fifteen minutes a few times a week can be beneficial, according to psychologist Dr Connie McReynolds.

“I often think about mental wellbeing in the same way we think about physical fitness. We would not expect to become stronger by exercising once every few months, and our mental wellbeing also benefits from regularity. Ten or fifteen minutes of language learning several times a week can be a small, consistent challenge that becomes part of everyday life rather than another job on the list.”

Why learning a language can keep your brain active

As a mental exercise Dr McReynolds believes that learning a new language as we get older is a great idea because it asks the brain to work in several different ways at once.

“You’re listening, remembering, making connections, concentrating, and often responding in real time but that can be fun and better than scrolling on a screen!

“There is an important psychological benefit because as we get older, it can be easy to stick with what we do which means that learning something new reminds us that we are still capable of growth. Each new phrase understood or conversation attempted gives us a small sense of progress and competence, which can be very good for confidence and wellbeing.

“We want this to be fun and you do not need to become fluent for it to be worthwhile which means that learning a few words, following a short lesson, listening to a podcast, or practicing with another person are all great activities that don’t create pressure. Speaking with others makes this sociable; examples include joining a class, speaking to people when traveling, or practicing with friends or family and that connection is helpful for wellbeing and happiness.”

Choose a language you’re genuinely curious about

Most importantly, she adds, choosing a language or culture you are genuinely curious about because you aren’t looking for a qualification but something interesting to explore, can introduce you to a whole new life experience.

8 little-known ways learning a new language can boost your wellbeing

Finally, if this article has inspired you to consider learning a new language, Dr Esther Gutierrez Eugenio, a doctor in Language Education specialised in neuropsycholinguistics (the neurological and psychological processes involved in learning a language), gives her advice, along with some top tips below:

1. It gives your brain a complex workout

Learning a foreign language at an older age can turn into a powerful routine that will not just keep your brain sharper – but also improve your overall wellbeing and quality of life in a number of sometimes unexpected ways.

In fact, language learning sits at the intersection of cognitive challenge, personal achievement, social connection, independence and identity. This is what makes it such a great hobby for anyone, but particularly for older people who can benefit exponentially from the learning process.

These are some of the reasons:

Language learning simultaneously challenges memory, attention, listening, decision-making, word retrieval and motor coordination. You are not just training one skill, but a series of complex, interrelated micro-skills that can then transfer to other spheres of life.

TIP: Alternate practicing the different skills (reading, listening, writing and speaking) and focusing every day on a different language element, such as pronunciation, vocabulary or a difficult grammar feature.

2. It creates a sense of progress and self-confidence

Understanding something today that you could not understand three months ago provides tangible evidence that your brain is still able to learn new things.

TIP: Keep a log of your tiny weekly wins so progress becomes visible.

3. It strengthens self-efficacy

Regularly mastering difficult things such as a complex grammar rule or saying a difficult word correctly reinforces the belief that you are capable of improving with practice, which then can be applied to other areas of your life.

TIP: Reflect on the actions you took that contributed to the results you see, and take a moment to feel proud of your effort.

4. It adds structure to your week

Just like physical fitness activities, a regular language learning routine helps create some consistency in your daily life.

TIP: Develop a simple language learning system that matches your daily habits, so learning becomes part of your routine.

5. It encourages social connection

Learning a language can create new opportunities to meet people, attend classes and participate in local events.

TIP: Find a local language exchange partner who can then introduce you to other native speakers and activities in the language.

6. It can increase your independence

If you are living abroad or travel often, learning the local language will help you deal with doctors, banks, mechanics and neighbours without relying on someone else, making you a more independent and secure person.

TIP: Don’t feel shy or self-conscious when speaking to locals. They will truly appreciate the effort you are making to communicate in their language even if you can just say a few sentences.

7. It keeps your brain awake and curious

Language learning reinforces your brain’s ability to learn and to adapt because it continually exposes you to unfamiliar ideas, people and ways of seeing the world.

TIP: Challenge your brain to regularly do tasks slightly more difficult than feels comfortable.

8. Becoming fluent isn’t necessarily the goal

You don’t need to become perfectly fluent to enjoy these benefits. A lot of the cognitive flexibility and sense of accomplishment come from the learning process itself.

TIP: Don’t start with the goal of “becoming fluent”. Set yourself tiny goals every week or two that you can easily achieve to reinforce the reward mechanisms in the brain – which will motivate you to continue learning in the long term.

Treat language learning like physical training

My personal advice is to treat language learning like physical training: start small, set yourself realistic goals, practise regularly, choose activities that are challenging but achievable, and track small changes that are proof of your progress.

The goal isn’t to become fluent in 3 months, but to build consistent learning and practice habits to enjoy the benefits of language learning in the long term.