This document discusses the benefits of language learning and art for aging populations. It notes that the brain remains plastic even in adulthood and can benefit from mental and physical activity as well as social interaction to promote independence. The document proposes that language learning and intergenerational art programs can address issues of isolation, inactivity, and cognitive decline in older adults by providing novelty, challenge, and practice for the brain. Such activities may help maintain cognitive reserve and delay the effects of aging.

1. THE
LANGUA
GE OF
ARTArt Point
Scotland and
Bilingualism
Matters, The

4. Click icon to add picture
The brain is a
muscle
•
Neuroplasticity (AKA
brain plasticity)
-
Research in the 20th
century has shown that
many aspects of the
brain are plastic, even
through adulthood!
-
Observable at multiple
scales, from
microscopic changes in
individual neurons to

5. Click icon to add picture
The world
population is
ageing•
At least three areas of
concern when it comes
to the aging population:
• Physical activity
• Mental activity
• Loneliness
• Language learning as a group activity
• Question of how to make this even more
productive  ART POINT
- Intergenerational work

10. Citations of potential interest
•
Bak, T. H., Long, M. R., Vega-Mendoza, M., & Sorace, A. (2016).
Novelty, Challenge, and Practice: The Impact of Intensive Language Learning on Attentional Functions. PloS One, 11(4), e0153485.
•
Vega-Mendoza, M., West, H., Sorace, A., & Bak, T. H. (2015).
The impact of late, non-balanced bilingualism on cognitive performance. Cognition, 137, 40-46.
•
Bak, T. H., Vega-Mendoza, M., & Sorace, A. (2014).
Never too late? An advantage on tests of auditory attention extends to late bilinguals. Frontiers in Psychology, 5.
•
Nguyen, C., Leanos, S., Natsuaki, M.N., Rebok, G.W., & Wu, R. (2018). Adaptation for Growth Via Learning New Skills as a Means to
Long-Term Functional Independence in Older Adulthood: Insights From Emerging Adulthood. The Gerontologist, gny128.
•
Stern, Y. (2002). What is cognitive reserve? Theory and research application on the reserve concept. Journal of the International
Neuropsychological Society, 8(3). 48-460.
•
Barullo, D., & Stern, Y. (2013). Efficiency, capacity, compensation, maintenance, plasticity: emerging concepts in cognitive reserve.
Trends in Cognitive Science, 17(10), 502-509.
•
Demarin, V., Morovic, S., & Bene, R. (2014). Neuroplasticity. Periodicum Biologorum, 116(2), 209-211.
•
Draganski, B., Gaser, C., Busch, V., Schuierer, G., Bogdahn, U., & May, A. (2004). Changes in grey matter induced by training.
Nature, 427, 311-312.

11. Contact Us
•
Anna Przybycien and Monika Pokorska
• artpoint.scotland@gmail.com
• artpointsoctland.org
•
Brittany Blankinship at the University of Edinburgh
• b.blankinship@ed.ac.uk