This is the result of a study done in Luxembourg. A country where, through proximity of other countries, people speak at least 2 if not 3 languages – German, French, Luxembourgish.
The study was done by Magali Perquin of the Department of Health and it concluded that compared with other countries the percentage of older people with dementia is lower in Luxembourg, 3.8 % against 6.4% in Europe, 7.1% in Latin America and 8% in Canada. They believe there is a strong possibility that it is the result of people speaking several languages.
It has long been said that challenging the brain with mental exercises like Crossword Puzzles will help to keep individual brain cells alive. But maybe doing crossword puzzles is not your thing? Therefore, could learning French be an option?
No, it’s not too late. Quite the contrary. It might be the answer to the question many older or retired people ask – how can I find a new purpose or an activity to occupy my time? And if it is not French you want to learn but you wouldn’t mind speaking another language, think of your vacation or travel plans – going to Italy next? Wouldn’t it be nice to order your dinner in Italian?
An added advantage to taking classes – no, not on-line- will be that you meet other like minded people – and you never know who you might meet and who is ready to go to Italy too!
And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything
Brigitte
Ready to Live Longer 