Knowledge of several languages can slow down aging

Scientists analyzed data from 86,000 people from 27 European countries and found that those who speak at least two languages age more slowly than those who speak only one. Multilingual people showed biological signs of aging later, even if they took into account their level of education, physical activity, and social factors.

To measure the “rate of aging,” the researchers used artificial intelligence, which calculated a person’s biological age based on health status, sleep, physical activity level, and cognitive abilities. The scientists then compared the biological age with the actual age and determined who was aging faster or slower.

The results were impressive: residents of countries where knowledge of several languages is widespread were two times less likely to experience accelerated aging. Moreover, the more languages a person knew, the stronger the protective effect.

“Multilingualism activates key areas of the brain responsible for attention, memory and control,— explains Professor Agustin Ibanez from Trinity College Dublin. “It’s like training the brain, which strengthens its resilience throughout life.”

The authors of the study believe that learning languages can be an easy and affordable way to maintain brain health. They propose to include foreign language teaching in government programs to preserve cognitive longevity, along with physical activity and education.

In other words, even a few minutes of daily practice of a foreign language is an investment in the youthfulness of the brain.