Cactus Language Blog

Language Holidays for the Over 50s

Posted by Sarah under Cactus Languages Abroad, English, French, German, Italian, Learning a language, Spanish

Why learn a language later in life?

With an increasingly ‘older’ population, and people living for longer, it is not surprising that the over 50s and retirees are now enjoying, and demanding more, of their free time. Many now have the time, money and freedom to indulge in existing passions and explore new interests, whether at home or further afield. And whether it’s the cause or effect of foreign travel, learning a language is one skill that an increasing number of over 50s are turning towards.

One of the big advantages to learning a language later in life is that you’ll usually be doing it for pleasure, rather than being forced to sit reluctantly through classes as a child at school.

As an adult with more time to do what you really want, learning any of the world’s many languages will undoubtedly help you to get more out of your travels - which are probably more frequent and memorable than they were as a kid at school. Or you may have a penchant for French wines, Italian opera or Spanish history, and want to immerse yourself more in your chosen culture. Either way, learning a language tends to have a far more purposeful and pleasurable meaning when you’re a bit older.

Too old to learn a language?

I can already hear the cries of “I’m too old to learn a language!”. Not so. The old adage of ‘you’re only as young as you feel’ could not ring more true. For those who haven’t had a chance to put their brain to use for years, getting the grey cells working again is often a rewarding and thrilling challenge. It puts a spring in the step and gives an unexpected confidence boost. In fact, research has consistently shown that people who keep mentally active are less likely to lose cognitive function than those who don’t. Learning something such as music or a language, or challenging yourself with a daily crossword or game of chess, is stimulating brain food.

On a similar vein, during the years since you left school you will have inevitably picked up new skills and intelligence which will aid your acquisition of a language later in life. You will also know your own individual learning style - how best you learn new things, how you remember things, whether you react better to written or spoken stimuli, etc. So your experience of learning a language later in life may, without you even realising it, be a more efficient process.

Learning a language for work

If you are need to learn a language for work rather than pleasure, try to treat it as an opportunity to learn a new and valuable skill rather than a chore. What you learn in your business life can have a hugely positive effect on your personal life, for all the above reasons. And the buzz you feel from communicating with a foreigner, especially in their own country, makes it all worthwhile.

If you are over 50 and want to know more about language learning, Cactus Language offers language courses in 150 destinations worldwide, including specialist language holidays for the over 50s in Italy and Spain.

Or why not take one of our popular Language & Activity courses that combine language classes in the morning with learning a skill in the afternoon: French, Culture & Gastronomy in Bordeaux, Spanish & Golf in Marbella or Italian & Cooking in Florence.

Tags:language learning over 50s, Learning a language, learning later in life, young at heart