Why Learning a Second Language is Good for the Brain

A new study found that people who speak multiple languages tend to have “younger” brains.

Learning a second language may do more than help you communicate—it could also help keep your brain younger as you age.

A new study found that people who speak multiple languages tend to have “younger” brains, with bilingual participants showing brains that appeared about six years younger than those who spoke only one language. Speaking three or four languages was linked to even greater benefits, with brain ages appearing up to 13 years younger. Researchers also found that learning a second language earlier in life and becoming highly fluent may provide the strongest protection against brain aging.