Think you're too old to learn something new? Think again! Duolingo's latest survey of 2,000 Americans reveals a heartening truth: Age is just a number when it comes to learning.
Despite common misconceptions, the survey shows that many people find learning more rewarding now than when they were younger. So, why let age hold you back from acquiring new skills?
The survey, commissioned by Duolingo and conducted by Talker Research, highlights several interesting findings about the why (and when) people learn a new skill.
When asked to think about their own behaviors and perceptions around learning, there were some surprising answers! Many respondents, including baby boomers, believe the "best age" for learning new skills is just 26. And yet… 43% of respondents feel more successful in learning now than in their younger years. Why? With age comes patience (42%), a desire to learn for personal fulfillment rather than necessity (30%), and more time to dedicate to learning (29%). (For what it’s worth: On Duolingo, the older the learner, the longer the streak!)
Language learning, in particular, captivates many across generations. The survey found that more than one-quarter of Americans are currently working to learn a new language. Their motivations are varied and compelling: keeping their brains sharp (27%), exploring cultural interests (31%), and enhancing travel experiences (27%). Generational differences persist, with 45% of Gen Z actively learning a new language, compared to only 8% of baby boomers.
Despite these disparities, the desire to learn languages spans all ages. The survey shows that 33% of Gen Zers, 41% of millennials, 46% of Gen X, and 40% of boomers are interested in picking up another language. So, what's stopping them? Common barriers include lack of time, perceived difficulty, and uncertainty about where to start.
Though it might seem difficult to get started, experts say it’s worth the effort! Take it from Dr. Bozena Pajak, VP of Learning and Curriculum at Duolingo: “Learning doesn’t stop as we age. While younger learners may have a speed advantage, adults benefit from rich life experience, greater knowledge and strong problem-solving abilities. Studies also show that learning new skills, like a language, can help delay cognitive decline and boost memory. We see learners of all ages thrive — reinforcing that it’s never too late to keep growing.”
You’re not “too old” to start learning something new—especially a language! Whenever you’re ready to start, Duolingo is here for you at every step of your journey.
