What are the cognitive benefits of learning a second language after 60?

Learning a second language after 60 offers significant cognitive benefits, including helping to keep the brain sharp and active and potentially slowing cognitive aging^[1]. Longitudinal and cross-sectional neuroimaging research indicates that bilingualism serves as a form of brain reserve, associating with higher gray matter volume and density in key regions such as the inferior frontal gyrus and the inferior parietal lobule^[2][3][4].

Practical platforms for older adults to learn a new language include Duolingo, Drops, Busuu, Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur, Mango Languages (free through many public libraries), and iTalki for live conversation partners^[5][6][7].Would you also like to know how specific learning apps like Pimsleur or Duolingo work?