How to learn Spanish as an older adult

If you’re over 50, you may have heard that’s it’s more difficult for you to begin learning a foreign language. But, learning Spanish can have numerous benefits for seniors.

Can older adults learn a foreign language?

Learning a new language can be viewed as a workout for the brain. As you learn, you are forming new neural connections and “exercising” new parts of the mind. In fact, researchers believe that being bilingual actually changes the architecture of your brain. In fact, Swedish researchers at the Lund University believe that it may actually increase the overall SIZE of your brain!
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Learning a new language has demonstrated benefits for intelligence, memory, and concentration and lowers the risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Learning a new language changes your brain! It is especially beneficial for seniors, who may have reduced neuroplasticity, or brain malleability. But, seniors may have more success following a language learning plan that is designed specifically for them, as different methods work differently for kids and adults.

Learning Spanish for seniors

Spanish courses are available that are designed specifically with older adults and senior citizens in mind.

Seniors may decide to take up Spanish lessons for a multitude of reasons – many would like to spend their retirement traveling abroad or learning a new culture, some want to practice a new skill to keep their mind sharp, still others are fulfilling a lifelong goal of becoming bilingual. And, in today’s global world, there are often more and more Spanish speakers living right in the communities; especially in places like Florida and California.

It’s never too late to learn!

Remember, education should be considered a lifelong adventure that is to be approached with enthusiasm. Don’t be discouraged, because it is never too late to learn Spanish.

Besides, senior citizens often have one glaring advantage over younger language learners; their enthusiasm for learning a new language and willingness to enjoy the process often benefits them in the long run.

How seniors can learn Spanish in their own home

Listening passively to tapes or simply reading a book may be a great way to supplement your learning, but it is hardly sufficient on its own. Here are some easy to use softwares that have been shown to help seniors learn Spanish:

Seniors may benefit from the opportunity to learn Spanish in a more relaxed atmosphere. That is why we have selected these resources to help seniors learn Spanish at home

Babbel
Babbel has been around since 2007 and specializes in language learning; it can help seniors learn Spanish anytime, anywhere – on your desktop, smartphone, or tablet.
Benefits:
-Seniors will learn to speak Spanish confidently and clearly, with Babbel’s patented speech recognition technology that helps get your pronunciation on point.
-Select topics and areas that are most important to you, so you can learn vocabulary that’s relevant to your interests
-10-15 minute lessons will fit conveniently into a busy schedule, so they are perfect for active seniors.
-open yourself up to a world that’s bigger, richer, and more inspiring.

There are over 1 million active Babbel users in the world, and 97% of users would recommend Babbel to a friend!

Use this link for 25% off Babbel’s premium language learning app. Results are guaranteed, or your money back, and you can cancel anytime.

Rocket Languages
Rocket Languages knows more about learning a new language than anyone on the planet. They offer multiple award-winning language learning courses.

Benefits:
-it’a simple for customers to select the right course for their specific needs.
-the language learning techniques are based on practical success strategies that polyglots (people who speak 5 or more languages fluently) use.
-every course has more than 100 hours of repeatable tuition
-the best part is – it’s optimized to teach you quickly in only minutes a day

Used by 1,200,000 people, just like you, to master a new language. They boast more than 1,400 5-star reviews!

Test Rocket Language Spanish out for FREE with this link, no obligation.

Spanish classes for Seniors

However, if you feel that you might get more benefit from attending local Spanish classes with a real speaker (and the opportunity to practice with your peers of a similar skill level), contact your local AARP branch to see what options are available to you.

Frequently asked questions about learning Spanish at 50+

What is the best age to learn a language?

As the saying goes, the best time to start was ten years ago, the second beat time to start is right now. The fact is, it’s best to start learning a language as early as possible, so it comes more naturally. Kids brought up in bilingual households almost always have a leg up on kids or adults who learn a second language later in life. According to research conducted by MIT, the absolute best age to learn a new language has been pinpointed at 10 (670,000 people of various nationalities were assessed using a grammar quiz and then asked questions about their language learning experiences.) However, the study did not include participants under the age of 10. So in reality, the actual number could be much lower. But it seems conclusive that the earlier, the better. Regardless, this should not be a discouragement.

Is it ever too late to learn a language?

No! Your neuroplasticity is never as high as when you are a child, meaning it can take longer to make those connections that will help you learn the language. There is some research that indicates that it can become more difficult to learn a language after the age of 18 (it is not conclusive as to whether this is related to brain formation or just due to the fact that most 18-year old become busier with work or college.) But, it does not mean that it is impossible. It just takes some additional diligence.

There are a ton of Spanish language learning apps (like Babbel and Rocket Languages) that make learning a language easy, regardless of your age or familiarity with technology. They have simple interfaces and simple instructions, but can make a huge impact on your skills. We’ve heard of many senior citizens using these to learn Spanish with great success.

Thank for reading these tips for learning Spanish for seniors. You may also enjoy how to learn Spanish while you drive.  We hope that we have provided some insight and resources that will help seniors citizens feel more comfortable learning a foreign language.

It’s never too late to start, and remember: a second language has the effect of helping to develop new neural pathways in the brain. It forces new connections, adds mental flexibility; and enriches your mind.

More ways for seniors to learn Spanish

One thing that often makes if difficult for older folks to learn a new language is a trouble reading small text (in any language). One of our favorite ways to familiarize with the sounds of another language is listening to audiobooks read by native speakers. Check out our list of the best Spanish audiobooks for learners.

Senior citizens are finding it more and more useful to be able to speak Spanish whether at home or abroad. After all, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the US and the second most common language spoken by native speakers worldwide. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Latinos are the single largest minority group in the U.S. and 1 in 6 Americans (or approximately 50 million people) are Hispanic.

If you can think of a senior in your family or in the community who would enjoy learning Spanish, please forward them this article! You can also sign up for our free Spanish Word-A-Day email here.

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