Never too old for adventure
When my grandma was 70, she decided it was time she learned how to use the computer. She signed up for a local class, bought a book, got a sweet new desktop computer that weighed about 50 pounds, and learned how to use one. Before we knew it, she had mastered several programs that she used every day. When social media came around 10 years later, she was ready to take that on, too, even though she was 80 years old at that point in time. Now she is 91 years old, and she operates her own personal tablet and keeps up with friends and family (the younger ones, of course) on Facebook. If you had asked most of her peers to take on a computer class in their golden years, most of them would decline, but she persevered and took on a new challenge.
There are a lot of misconceptions about learning new skills when you’re older, but this is especially true of language learning. Most people think that it is extremely difficult — or even impossible — to learn a new language after you blow out a higher number of candles on your birthday cake (this number varies greatly from person to person). We would like to dispel some myths for you and encourage you to start learning a language today.
Myth 1: My brain just cannot take on that much new information.
The human brain is so complex that science is only beginning to discover the power it holds. While it is true that the brain’s elasticity lessens as we age, that doesn’t mean it loses its ability to learn. In fact, researchers from University of North Carolina at Greensboro recently found that bad habits — like not exercising and not trying new things — are really to blame for not learning new skills.
Break the myth: Believe in yourself! It may take more repetitions to learn something than it would have when you were younger, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. The key is to try your hand at something you really want to learn, like a new language.
Myth 2: I don’t have the tools I need to learn a new language.
Much of your life is spent being told what to learn, from your time as a child to your time spent in the workforce. Once you are older and not required to learn skills that are necessary, it is easy to turn on your mental “relaxation mode” and easy to forget the tools you used to learn new things.
Break the myth: What worked for you when you were younger? Reading, flash cards, learning from experience? That can work again! Your UpVerb teacher can help you make a plan based on your personal learning style. You’ll soon discover that those tools you used when you were younger are also effective today.
Myth 3: I am too old to ever learn a second language.
A New York University study showed that bilingualism actually delayed the onset of Alzheimer’s by an average of four years. Learning a new skill keeps your mind sharp, but learning a new language could make it even sharper.
Break the myth: Take advantage of the powers of language learning and start learning today!
Let’s let age just be another number. We know you are excited to learn a new language, and we are ready to help you! Our unique challenges help target your goals in a fun and easy way, and we think you’ll love how exciting learning a language can be. Schedule a free trial lesson today and commit to a lifetime of learning.
