Foreign language learning in older age does not improve memory or intelligence: Evidence from a randomized controlled study.

Abstract

Foreign language learning in older age has been proposed as a promising avenue for combatting age-related cognitive decline. We tested this hypothesis in a randomized controlled study in a sample of 160 healthy older participants (aged 65–75 years) who were randomized to 11 weeks of either language learning or relaxation training. Participants in the language learning condition obtained some basic knowledge in the new language (Italian), but between-groups differences in improvements on latent factors of verbal intelligence, spatial intelligence, working memory, item memory, or associative memory were negligible. We argue that this is not due to either poor measurement, low course intensity, or low statistical power, but that basic studies in foreign languages in older age are likely to have no or trivially small effects on cognitive abilities. We place this in the context of the cognitive training and engagement literature and conclude that while foreign language learning may expand the behavioral repertoire, it does little to improve cognitive processing abilities.

Cognitive and Socioaffective Predictors of L2 Microdevelopment in Late Adulthood: A Longitudinal Intervention Study

“…Finally, being one of the most complex cognitive capacities humans are capable of, L2 learning in the third age has repeatedly been proposed as a measure to stave off age‐related cognitive decline (e.g., Antoniou et al., 2013; Antoniou & Wright, 2017). While two studies have reported improved cognitive performance in older learners following L2 learning (Bak et al., 2016; Wong et al., 2019), others have not been able to show any cognitive benefits (Berggren et al., 2020; Pot et al., 2019; Ramos et al., 2016). If, as we have shown, intact cognitive capacities are beneficial for high L2 attainment but not equally so at all stages of L2 proficiency, the question remains whether the cognitive benefit that could result from L2 learning is also limited to stages in which the learner is actually required to tap into these capacities.…”

Second Language Learning in Older Adults: Effects on Brain Structure and Predictors of Learning Success

“…It has even been proposed that foreign language training for older adults could serve as a tool to improve cognition by engaging the extensive language network and potentially mitigate age-related cognitive decline (Antoniou et al, 2013 ). However, evidence for general cognitive benefits following language training in older adults has so far been unconvincing (Bak et al, 2016 ; Ramos et al, 2017 ; Ware et al, 2017 ) and we have recently shown that an entry-level Italian course did not confer any general cognitive advantage relative to relaxation training (Berggren et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Cognitive performance was assessed with an extensive test battery 2 weeks before (pre-test) and 1 week after the interventions (post-test). The cognitive tests and related results have been described in detail elsewhere (Berggren et al, 2020 ). Here, we focus only on the tests of direct relevance for the posed hypotheses.…”

Older Adult Learner As The Subject Of Cross-Cultural Communication

“…Although some researchers are trying to prove that learning languages cannot be the way of improving physical and mental condition (Berggren et al, 2020), this paper (as long as some others (Antoniou et al, 2013)) suggests foreign language learning being an effective means for older adult learners to become part of cross cultural communication. Previous experience (Budarina & Ilina, 2016), logical comprehension prevailing over mechanical repetition (Stuart-Hamilton, 2012) make foreign language learning easier for older adult learners.…”