1. Use It or Lose It
Even though aging does affect your memory, studies have repeatedly shown that the best way to hold onto it is to continue using it. As you might expect, learning a new language is one of the best ways to put your memory to use. Wrapping your mind around a whole new set of grammar, vocabulary, expressions and phrases is tough, but it's also incredibly rewarding. While you might not achieve complete fluency in your new language (few people of any age actually do), you'll have fun exercising your mind and learning new skills that can help you appreciate and interact with other cultures.
2. Find Your Own Classroom
Some seniors may feel comfortable jumping back into a traditional classroom setting by taking foreign language classes at a nearby college or university. Others, on the other hand, may find the fast-paced and competitive college environment stressful and daunting, and for good reason--even college kids get nervous about quizzes, exams and oral presentations. If you've decided to tackle a foreign language, make it your first priority to find out where you feel comfortable learning. If you prefer to stay in, don't worry about missing out on quality instruction. Learning at home allows you to take as much time as you need to read, organize and study your lessons.
3. Fall in Love All Over Again
Because learning a new language is a pretty big commitment, don't jump into one you're not wild about studying. Instead, choose a language that you've always wanted to learn and whose culture you find intriguing. Chances are you're already interested in whichever language you're learning, which is great. Just remember to bring this passion and childlike enthusiasm to each of your lessons, and you'll be bound to succeed.
4. Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to brush the dust off your aging memory and whip it back into shape is through repetition. Whether you're working through a list of words or figuring out a new grammatical construct, take as much time as you need to repeat the new material until it's stored away in your brain. Even if it takes dozens of repetitions and days to memorize a new word or phrase, don't get frustrated and try to rush through the lesson. Relax, take your time and enjoy the verbal scenery as it slowly rolls by.
5. Plunge Into the Deep End
To help your memory soak up your new language, surround yourself with as much of it as you can. Reading books, listening to music, watching television, seeing movies and even eavesdropping on conversations in a foreign language are all fantastic ways of reinforcing the words you learn from CDs and books. In fact, the more of the language you have in your environment, the better. Also, if you have the free time and spare change for a trip overseas, go for it. There's no better place to learn a new language than in its native country.
