Learning Languages May Mean Better Health
By Tom Herrin
The brain is an intricate and interesting organ of the body. It has an amazing ability to turn what happens in the world to things people can see and hear. It can adapt to varying stimuli and form new ideas. It can also be taught or trained to do many things with many types of functions. It can respond well to challenges. For those who dare to learn new languages, it can respond by improving health in many different ways. Apparently much like the muscles, the brain can be changed and developed as it works to learn. Learning new languages can be a real boost for overall health.
Learning New Languages May Delay Dementia
It seems that lots of people suffer from various sorts of dementia today. There must be a variety of causes, and age alone may well be one of them. Since people are living longer today, it stands to reason that there may be more dementia because of it. Some research has found that those who speak more than one language appear to develop dementia at a slower pace. This later onset was as much as five years for some. It may simply be due to the fact that the brain is responding to exercise just as the muscles do. Whatever the cause, it is good news for those who want to do something positive about maintaining their cognitive abilities.
Learning Languages May Improve Memory
For whatever reason, those who speak other languages seem to have better memories. That is not just a subjective opinion but the conclusion of studies. Perhaps it is due to the fact that speaking more languages stimulates something in the brain or maybe it is the fact that those who learn other languages will have a better ability to recall because they can make that adjustment. Whatever the case, they have better recall in many areas.
Rise up and Grow
We can all stand to do everything possible for our health. So many of us rely on things such as electronic devices so much that they sometimes do too much thinking for us. As a result, we often fail to exercise our brains enough. Learning a new language may help us in school, work, or the community. Making the decision to learn one can be rewarding and provide a great sense of accomplishment. In our family, we have made a sort of game of it, and it is fun.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Salt Lake City, Utah.