In new research done in France, meditation was found to be more beneficial for a healthy brain than learning a new language.
One of the leading scientists on the study, Dr. Gael Chetelat from Caen-Normandy University in France, explains that the study found meditation to be superior in terms of brain health to language learning.
In the study, 137 elderly participants were divided into three groups and followed closely for a specific period of time. Here’s what the scientists discovered!
Meditation Is Superior to Language Learning for Brain Health
All of the participants were French residents. The first group of participants meditated for two hours every week and also took English learning lessons.
The second group practiced at least 20 minutes of meditation every day in their homes. The third group did none of the two but continued life as usual.
For a period of 18 months, each of the groups was closely monitored. The results showed that the meditation group had better scores on tests for attention regulation and socio-emotional abilities.
According to Dr. Chetelat, meditation boosts one’s awareness and allows one to be mindful of the experience, without being absorbed by the past and future.
The socio-emotional abilities of the participants significantly dropped after getting non-native language courses. The scientists suggest the difference may be due to the maintenance of skills achieved through meditation.
Dr. Chetelat is curious whether meditation could help maintain the brain structure and cognitive function in top condition in elderly adults. The scientists added that mental training directed at stress and attention regulation may be beneficial for cognition and the emotional part of aging.
The Influence of Meditation & Mindfulness on the Brain
Current research notes that meditation slows down the onset of brain diseases by increasing people’s focus and by increasing their level of happiness.
Being focused on the present moment has long been studied and practiced by different religions, cultures, etc.
Many mental diseases develop by being preoccupied with one’s own thoughts. This behavior may be changed with the help of meditation mindfulness.
Scientists believe it holds immense power in helping with PTSD, dementia, unhealthy habits, etc.
Previous studies have found mindfulness to help with cognition, particularly among the elderly.
Mindfulness meditation has also been found beneficial for the reduction of depression, anxiety, and stress.
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