I'm learning Dutch. Because I have a friend who was born in the Netherlands, and I want to impress him. I purchased 5 different language programs. But every day I do 5 to 8 minutes of Duolingo. I strive to keep going. I'm 81 and my memory is not so sharp and my energy is diminishing. I feel as though I'm trying to fill the tub of language while the drain is open. Will I finally absorb enough language to be able to carry on a conversation? Or will I become demented and end up in a nursing home? (No pressure) I totally agree with your advice!
Diana, I have no idea what it is like to be 81. However, I do know that practicing a little bit each day is good. And going on walks is good for the brain, the body, and the soul. There is no need to put so much pressure on yourself. Do your best, enjoy the progress you make, and let that be enough. :-)
If you live long enough you may learn what it is like. But we are not all the same. I have been sickly my whole life. You may end up in far better shape. I worked as a C#/C++ programmer for Neilsen for almost 25 years before I was laid off and replaced with cheaper programmers from India. I loved programming. But in 2014 before I was laid off, I worried which would happen first: Getting laid off because it was cheaper to replace me--or getting laid off because I was demented (oh the shame of it!). I'm glad I was able to survive and remain productive as long as I did.
I'm learning Dutch. Because I have a friend who was born in the Netherlands, and I want to impress him. I purchased 5 different language programs. But every day I do 5 to 8 minutes of Duolingo. I strive to keep going. I'm 81 and my memory is not so sharp and my energy is diminishing. I feel as though I'm trying to fill the tub of language while the drain is open. Will I finally absorb enough language to be able to carry on a conversation? Or will I become demented and end up in a nursing home? (No pressure) I totally agree with your advice!
Diana, I have no idea what it is like to be 81. However, I do know that practicing a little bit each day is good. And going on walks is good for the brain, the body, and the soul. There is no need to put so much pressure on yourself. Do your best, enjoy the progress you make, and let that be enough. :-)
If you live long enough you may learn what it is like. But we are not all the same. I have been sickly my whole life. You may end up in far better shape. I worked as a C#/C++ programmer for Neilsen for almost 25 years before I was laid off and replaced with cheaper programmers from India. I loved programming. But in 2014 before I was laid off, I worried which would happen first: Getting laid off because it was cheaper to replace me--or getting laid off because I was demented (oh the shame of it!). I'm glad I was able to survive and remain productive as long as I did.