As a specialist in language teaching and learning as well as midlife development, I am a firm believer in learning foreign languages. And I practice what I preach. I learned French because I live in Montreal and I been learning Spanish for several years now since my wife is from Colombia. I agree entirely with Dr. Paul Nussbaum, author of Brain Health and Wellness, who calls active lifelong learning a "learning vaccine."

Why I am learning Spanish

Here are some of my top reasons for learning Spanish.

First, I have to admit that I am quite jealous of my four-year-old granddaughter, Jorika. She understands or speaks four languages: English, French, Polish and Spanish. Kidding aside, I think it is marvelous she knows so many languages ​​and I am very proud of her.

Second, I want to communicate with my beautiful wife, Jacqueline, in her native language. It is also important that I can communicate with her rather large family (parents, three sisters and partners, children, an aunt and cousins) who live in Calle. It is not a pleasant feeling to be left out of conversations around the dinner table. It is also important to be able to communicate with neighbors and friends there.

Third, I want to get the full experience in visiting Spanish-speaking countries. Previously, when I traveled in Mexico, Colombia or Spain I pretty much depended on Jacqueline. It is time I step up and join in the conversation. It is much more fun that way too.

Fourth, I want to benefit from a deeper cultural understanding of Spanish life. There is a rich world of Spanish cinema, music, literature and culture that I want to know more about and share with Jacqueline. I also want to be able to keep up with the latest news on local radio or television.

Fifth, I want to live abroad eventually. One of my long-term goals is to live in either Mexico or Colombia for several months a year during the winter months. To get the most out of life you have to speak the local language.

Sixth, I enjoy the intellectual stimulation. It is challenging to learn a foreign language. I know from first-hand experience since it took me several years to learn French. Learning a second or third language also keeps you sharp mentally. A study conducted by researchers from York University in Canada found this to be the case for adults who were fluent in two languages.

Am I forgetting anything? Oh yes, I do not want to miss any of the racy jokes that my wife's sister, Francoise, likes telling. Apart from being entertaining and challenging, learning a foreign language is an excellent midlife coping strategy for self improvement. I highly recommend it for adding zest to your life.