Why does it work?

Studies published by the University of Edinburgh show that those who can speak a second language tend to develop dementia up to 5 years later than those of us who can only speak one. This level of prevention is greater than anything currently offered in the fields of medicine or pharmacology, and it's for such reasons that many are calling for language learning to be viewed as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle, much like exercising or maintaining a balanced diet…read more.

The Language Nest

We run classes for adults of all ages in our very own Lingo Flamingo Language Nest, located in Shawlands, Glasgow, an area known for its vibrancy, diversity and strong sense of community.

We still use the same sensory, stimulating techniques to make classes fun and accessible, but these classes are designed for those living without a dementia diagnosis from age 18 upwards. We also continue to emphasise the health benefits and show that language learning can benefit everyone.

All the money that is raised through the Language Nest gets put towards our work with older adults, including those living with dementia. That’s to say, each and every penny of surplus revenue is used to cross-subsidise classes for older adults and those living with dementia across Scotland. As such, the Nest not only acts as a way to change perceptions of language learning but as a means to expand our social impact. It also means that any student joining our flock will not only gain from the benefits of language learning but can feel good about having created a positive effect on society. Everyone’s a winner. 

Our Care Home/Day-Centre Classes

Research shows that those who speak a second language tend to develop dementia 5 years later than those of us who can only speak one. This level of prevention is greater than anything currently offered in the fields of medicine or pharmacology. It is from this incredible fact that Lingo Flamingo was born. 

We use foreign languages as a vehicle to empower older adults in care homes, day centres, and communities across Scotland, promoting a love of languages and a desire to make lifelong learning accessible for all.  

Our stimulating language classes for older adults and those living with dementia take into account the medical, physical, and mental health of learners in order to employ the senses, keep the brain active, build confidence, and foster connections between participants. We've worked with individuals of all ages and stages of dementia diagnosis, and in so doing have improved their decision-making and multi-tasking skills and heightened their ability to concentrate and communicate.

Using our very own vivid and accessible workbooks - the first of their kind in the world - we ensure consistency and include memory tips, nostalgic references, historical anecdotes, and linguistic cues throughout. Such prompts sit alongside features that have been designed to evoke the senses, with exercises including music, touch, scent, feel, and taste.

Our classes serve to ease older adults back into learning. This transition is key to our mission as a whole, as we seek to transform education more widely by demonstrating that it is never too late to learn something new, to show that lifelong learning is truly that, learning for the whole of life. 

“Our mission is to be the most successful and accessible provider of interactive language learning experiences across the UK. By engaging with local communities and care providers, and working alongside research institutions, we will offer the best language learning experiences possible to older adults.”