A LARGE-SCALE European study suggests that multilingualism may protect against accelerated ageing, with people who speak multiple languages showing healthier ageing patterns than their monolingual peers.
Multilingualism and Healthy Ageing
Ageing is influenced by a complex mix of biological, social, and lifestyle factors. Previous research has hinted that multilingualism could slow age-related decline, but small sample sizes, limited data, and inadequate control for confounding factors left the evidence uncertain. To address these gaps, researchers analysed more than 86,000 adults from 27 European countries, assessing whether speaking multiple languages could predict delayed ageing in a healthy population.
Tracking Positive and Adverse Factors
The study developed “biobehavioural age gaps,” a measure comparing biological versus chronological age. Positive factors such as functional ability, education level, and cognitive performance were contrasted with adverse factors including cardiometabolic conditions, sensory impairments, and demographic risks. Using this approach, researchers could quantify accelerated or delayed ageing at the individual level and examine how lifestyle and environmental exposures influenced outcomes.
Protective Role of Multilingualism
Country-level multilingualism emerged as a strong protective factor. Cross-sectional analysis showed multilingual participants had nearly 55% lower odds of accelerated ageing, while longitudinal data indicated a 30% lower relative risk over time. Monolingual participants, by contrast, faced higher odds of faster ageing. Importantly, these effects remained significant after controlling for physical health, social environment, political context and other lifestyle factors.
Broader Implications for Health and Wellness
The findings suggest that learning and using multiple languages may offer a culturally adaptable, low-cost strategy to promote healthy ageing and cognitive resilience. Experts say encouraging multilingualism could become an important public health initiative, particularly in ageing populations, while also contributing to social engagement and mental stimulation.
Reference
Amoruso L et al. Multilingualism protects against accelerated aging in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of 27 European countries. Nat Aging. 2025;5(11):2340-54.
