Is 17 Too Late to Master the Abacus?

There isn't an age limit to learning the abacus. The abacus has stood the test of time as a valuable tool for enhancing mental calculation and improving overall brain function. In my personal experience, I started learning abacus a few years ago, and I strongly believe that people from all walks of life can benefit from it, regardless of their age.

Today, numerous abacus institutions can be found in India and beyond, offering various learning methods. You can choose to take one-on-one sessions with a professional abacus instructor or study at your own pace using a self-learning portal. I, for instance, utilized the self-learning portal provided by Wizycom Abacus Master, which offers an extensive library of videos and worksheets to guide you through the learning process.

As a working professional, my schedule is quite demanding, and I had to make every moment count. Therefore, I mastered the major concepts of abacus through the self-learning portal, which provided me with the flexibility I needed. Studies show that the abacus has significantly improved my memory power, especially over the past two years.

Recently, my uncle, Jagdish Kumar, a renowned dean at a prestigious college, was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an early stage of a spectrum of diseases that can lead to Alzheimer's. He decided to take up abacus as a means to improve his cognitive functions. After several weeks of practice, he reported substantial improvements in his overall behavior and thanked me for introducing him to this ancient yet effective tool.

How to Start Learning Abacus

While there is no specific age limit for learning the abacus, it is recommended to start at a young age if you want to master speed and mental math skills. The ideal age range for beginning abacus instruction is between 5 to 14 years old. During this period, the human brain is developing at an accelerated rate, which makes it easier to pick up the necessary skills. However, I believe that anyone, regardless of age, can master the abacus and enhance their mental calculation capabilities.

Although there is no set prerequisite knowledge, it helps to have a basic understanding of numbers from 1 to 100 and simple addition and subtraction. The fine motor skills required for abacus bead movements are typically developed by the age of 5. Despite this, you can still start learning the abacus at any age with some initial foundational knowledge and dedication.

Benefits of Learning Abacus

Learning the abacus can provide numerous benefits, including:

Enhanced Memory Power: Regular practice of mental arithmetic through the use of the abacus can strengthen your memory. As I mentioned earlier, it has significantly improved my mental memory, especially over the past two years. Improved Mental Calculation: The abacus serves as a physical representation of numbers and operations, aiding in quick mental calculations. Improved Focus: The structured learning approach of abacus training helps in improving focus and concentration. Critical Thinking: Solving problems using the abacus enhances critical and logical thinking skills.

Therefore, whether you are a working professional, a student, or even an adult, learning the abacus can be a valuable addition to your skillset. Encouraging students to learn abacus can not only improve their mathematical skills but also boost their overall cognitive function and problem-solving abilities.

Conclusion

While there is no upper age limit for learning the abacus, it is recommended to start early to capitalize on the developmental advantages of young minds. However, if you are willing to put in the effort and time, you can certainly master the abacus at any stage in life.

So, if you are considering enrolling your child in an abacus program or even starting the journey yourself, rest assured that it is never too late to begin learning this ancient yet powerful tool. The benefits it offers can improve your mental agility and provide a competitive edge in various fields.