It’s Never Too Late to Learn Another Language

Eagle Wealth Management |
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Weekly Market Commentary

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Hello,

The alarm clock is silent, the work emails have stopped, and you suddenly have something precious: time.

So, what now?

Some pick up gardening, others take to travel, and more and more retirees are diving into something both fun and brain-boosting—learning another language.

Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t that something you’re supposed to do in school?”

Not at all. In fact, picking up a new language later in life has some surprising perks, and it's not nearly as intimidating as it sounds.

First, language learning keeps your brain active. Research shows that studying a new language can help improve memory, sharpen problem-solving skills, and even delay the onset of dementia.1 That’s right—while you’re figuring out how to say, “Where’s the bathroom?” in Spanish, you’re also giving your brain a healthy workout.

But it’s not just about mental gymnastics. Language learning can also be a gateway to adventure. Maybe you've always dreamed of strolling through the streets of Paris, ordering coffee like a local. Or, perhaps, you want to chat with your friends or grandkids in their bilingual household. Whatever the reason, speaking a second language can open up meaningful experiences that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

And here's the good news: retirees often have an edge. Think about it—no stressful job taking up your time, no exams to pass, and the freedom to go at your own pace. You can take a relaxed, enjoyable approach.

Plus, the world of language learning has come a long way. You’re no longer stuck with a dusty textbook. There are apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone, local classes, language clubs, and even group trips focused on cultural immersion.

Here are a couple of upcoming language courses available at COCC:

Conversational Spanish I – July 7-30, 2025 at 1:00-2:45 pm PDT, Online or September 24, 2025 – November 26, 2025 at 3:00-5:00 pm PDT, Bend

Conversational Spanish II – August 4-27, 2025 at 1:00-2:45 pm PDT, Online

Still, it’s not all smooth sailing. Learning a language can be humbling. You’ll stumble over tricky grammar and probably say a few embarrassing things. But that's part of the fun. Just imagine the stories: “Well, I once asked for a kiss instead of a fish in Portugal…” Mistakes are actually a sign you're making progress—and most people are more than happy to help you along the way. In fact, over 68 million people in the U.S. already speak a language other than English in their home.2

The social side of language learning can be just as rewarding as the skill itself. You’ll meet fellow learners, native speakers, and maybe even make a few new friends. For many retirees, it becomes more than a hobby—it’s a community.

So, if you’ve been toying with the idea, go for it. Pick a language that excites you, set small goals, and don’t worry about being perfect. Whether it’s ordering tapas in Madrid, watching French films without subtitles, or simply enjoying the challenge, you’ll be amazed at how energizing it can be.

Retirement isn’t the end of learning—it’s just the beginning of learning for fun.

Thank you/Gracias/Merci/Danke,

Your Eagle Wealth Team

 
Market Insights

A key principle of investing is that patience, discipline, and maintaining a long-term perspective are what drive financial success. Perhaps no one has captured this wisdom as eloquently as Warren Buffett over his five-decade career as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Buffett’s recent retirement announcement is an opportunity to revisit investment principles that have stood the test of time. Click here to read Lessons from Warren Buffet for Today’s Market.

Lessons from Warren Buffet for Today's Market

He often talks about how market volatility and high market valuations offer opportunities. It’s also important to keep an eye on steady corporate earnings and growing dividends, which continue to support strong portfolio performance despite economic uncertainty.

As Warren Buffett’s career shows, the best way to navigate uncertainty is with a patient, long-term approach. Read more about Mr. Buffet’s insights and let us know if you want to discuss anything further.

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1. Cambridge University, April 29, 2022 [https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2022/04/29/learning-language-changes-your-brain/]
2. U.S. Census Bureau, December 6, 2022 [https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/12/languages-we-speak-in-united-states.html]

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