If you’re a senior wondering if you should enroll at a prestigious San Diego, CA, language academy to hone your English, the answer would be: “Yes. Do it, and you’ll have an experience of a lifetime.”

Contrary to popular belief, learning a new language isn’t a luxury reserved for young people only. Older students can master it with a little bit of devotion and a systematic learning approach. Check out the article below as we share four valuable tips on perfecting English as a senior. Read on!

‍

‍

HOW CAN AN OLDER PERSON LEARN ENGLISH?

Even though neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to create and restructure synaptic connections, declines with age, many experts now believe learning a foreign language at a later age is no more difficult than when you're young.

Some research indicated that second-language learning has no critical period as there is no biologically determined constraint on the language-learning capacity that arises at a certain age. Also, there is no evidence that older learners function differently than younger ones due to maturational processes.

Hopefully, the above facts have convinced you aren’t too old to learn grammar or to converse in English effectively, and now let’s see how you can do it.

ARE YOU A RESERVED PERSON OR A TALKATIVE EXTROVERT?

Think about what kind of person you are. For example, are you an introvert, or do you like to be surrounded by many people who share the same interests as you? If the latter is the case, look for a course specially designed for seniors where you can learn English with people your age.

But, if you don’t feel comfortable around many people, you can take private lessons. Then you’ll work at your own pace and have the teacher's complete attention.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

You’ve probably learned so many things so far, so you’re aware of your learning habits and know what strategies are most productive for you. Also, your life experience can enable you to express your opinion and make associations and thus practice the language creatively.

The latter is particularly beneficial in group discussions, where you can activate your language and implement it to defend your standpoint. Your teacher will provide assistance and correction, and you’ll remember your mistakes and learn what constructions work best in certain situations.

BE EXPOSED TO ENGLISH

The best way to get immersed in the language is to visit an English-speaking country. But if you can’t do it, modern technology and books can significantly help.

So read books, watch TV shows, and listen to podcasts in English at every given opportunity. Be observant of the constructions speakers use and when they use them, and always have a notebook ready to take notes.

Also, use many English learning apps or find reliable worksheets on Internet and practice for at least half an hour every day.

BE PATIENT

Every day is unique, and if you find memorizing vocabulary difficult today, it doesn’t mean it’ll be equally challenging tomorrow. Take your time, and use as many resources as possible.

Also, take your time working on complicated grammar rules or advanced vocabulary. Focus on your basics first, then gradually move on to more complex aspects. Look for grammar books that give a lot of examples and exercises where you can solidify what you’ve learned.

Finally, finding a learning partner can give you wings. You can set your learning goals and strategies and work on achieving them together.

‍

WHERE IN SAN DIEGO, CA, CAN I FIND A RELIABLE LANGUAGE ACADEMY?

It’s never too late to get the hang of modern-day lingua franca. You need versatile teachers that understand your personality and can help you use your life experience to your advantage. So where can you find them? Here at the College of English Language in the vicinity of Gaslamp Quarter.

Our native teachers are experienced and highly qualified and know how to respond to every student’s needs. So, visit us today, pick a course that suits you best and enjoy learning English with us!