Additional language learning has been proposed to stimulate cognitive functioning and overall psychosocial health in older adults, thereby decreasing the risk of cognitive impairment, dementia, and late-life depression. This study aimed to investigate the potential unique role of language learning in comparison to other complex learning activities in enhancing cognitive functioning in cognitively healthy, community-dwelling older adults. Changes in psychosocial well-being and English language proficiency were also assessed. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in which 43 Dutch functional monolinguals aged 65–78 (mean = 70.0, SD = 3.4) completed a three-month English course (n = 15), music training (n = 13), or a lecture series (n = 15). Cognitive functioning (global cognition, cognitive flexibility, episodic memory, working memory, verbal fluency, and attention) and psychosocial well-being were assessed before and immediately after the intervention, and at a four-month follow-up. In addition, a moderation analysis examined how baseline global cognition, course engagement, and English proficiency gains predicted intervention outcomes. Participants in the language learning intervention significantly improved on episodic memory and cognitive flexibility. However, the magnitude of cognitive change did not significantly differ between the language learning and music training conditions. The exception was a larger positive change in cognitive flexibility (on a color-shape switching task) for the language learning intervention from pre-test to follow-up in comparison to both control interventions. Our results suggest that additional language learning in later life can improve some aspects of cognition and fluency in the additional language in older adults, but that its unique effects seem limited.

Analysis code and data that support the findings of the randomized controlled trial reported in the article "The effects of language learning on cognitive functioning and psychosocial well-being in cognitively healthy older adults: A semi-blind randomized controlled trial" (see Related Publication below). <br In addition, we provide the following supplementary materials:

an OpenSesame/OSWeb script and description of the color-shape switching task used in this study a PDF containing a short description of the neuropsychological, psychosocial well-being, and English proficiency measures used in this study

R, 4.2.0

OpenSesame, 3.3.7