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Author(s): Berggren, Rasmus; Nilsson, Jonna; Brehmer, Yvonne; Schmiedek, Florian; Lövdén, Martin
Title: Foreign language learning in older age does not improve memory or intelligence. Evidence from a randomized controlled study
In: Psychology and Aging, 35 (2020) 2, S. 212-219
DOI: 10.1037/pag0000439
URL: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fpag0000439
Publication Type: 3a. Beiträge in begutachteten Zeitschriften; Aufsatz (keine besondere Kategorie)
Language: Englisch
Keywords: Alter Mensch; Fremdsprache; Lernen; Wirkung; Kognitive Kompetenz; Intelligenz; Arbeitsgedächtnis; Wortschatz; Assoziation; Leistungstest; Testkonstruktion; Strukturgleichungsmodell:Schweden
Abstract: Foreign language learning in older age has been proposed as a promising avenue for combatting
age-related cognitive decline. We tested this hypothesis in a randomized controlled study in a sample of
160 healthy older participants (aged 65-75 years) who were randomized to 11 weeks of either language
learning or relaxation training. Participants in the language learning condition obtained some basic
knowledge in the new language (Italian), but between-groups differences in improvements on latent
factors of verbal intelligence, spatial intelligence, working memory, item memory, or associative memory
were negligible. We argue that this is not due to either poor measurement, low course intensity, or low
statistical power, but that basic studies in foreign languages in older age are likely to have no or trivially
small effects on cognitive abilities. We place this in the context of the cognitive training and engagement
literature and conclude that while foreign language learning may expand the behavioral repertoire, it does
little to improve cognitive processing abilities.
DIPF-Departments: Bildung und Entwicklung