Multilingualism: A Powerful Tool Against Brain Aging
Speaking multiple languages appears not only to have a practical advantage, but also a significant health benefit: it can dramatically slow down brain aging.
Do you switch between languages regularly – perhaps Spanish and Dutch, or moroccan at home and Dutch with friends? This habit could be a powerful way to boost your brain health and keep it young. New research reveals that multilingualism can slow the aging process in the brain and reduce the risks associated with accelerated aging.While learning and maintaining multiple languages can be challenging, the cognitive advantages are considerable.
The Study & The biobehavioral Age Gap
Scientists investigated the Biobehavioral Age Gap (BAC) – the difference between a person’s biological age (determined by health and lifestyle) and their chronological age. Analyzing data from over 86,000 Europeans aged 51-90, they found that individuals who spoke only one language were twice as likely to exhibit signs of faster aging compared to multilinguals. This research was published in Nature Aging.(https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-025-01000-2)
Why Does Multilingualism Protect the Brain?
Researchers believe the constant mental exercise required to manage multiple languages – both actively speaking and passively understanding - is key. this continuous cognitive workout strengthens the brain’s resilience.
The Growing Importance of Brain Health
with global populations aging rapidly – the WHO projects one in six people will be over 60 by 2030 – understanding how to slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia is crucial. While lifestyle factors are known to influence aging, this study highlights the significant role of multilingualism.
Beyond Symptom Management: A proactive Approach
Previous research often focused on individuals already experiencing cognitive decline. this new study, however, used a sophisticated computer model to calculate BAC in a large group of healthy adults, providing stronger evidence of the proactive benefits of multilingualism.
The More, The Merrier
the protective effect of multilingualism appears to increase with each additional language learned. Even languages used infrequently remain active in the brain, demanding ongoing attention, memory, and control – all contributing to cognitive strength.
A Call for Policy Change
The researchers hope this evidence will encourage policymakers to recognize multilingualism not just as a valuable dialogue skill, but as a readily accessible and effective strategy for promoting brain health. Aging is certain, but speaking multiple languages offers a surprisingly powerful way to slow its effects. So, dust off that language learning app – it’s an investment in your future brain health! (https://phys.org/news/2025-11-language-brain-stay-younger.html)