New scientific research shows that continuing to learn and keeping your brain active is an important means of supporting your brain health in later life. By learning new things, such as a hobby or course, you build mental resilience. This helps to postpone memory decline and even dementia.
The term scientists use is ‘cognitive reserve’. This means your brain is better able to cope with age-related changes and damage. People who are mentally active throughout their lives therefore experience fewer memory problems than others. Older people who take up new challenging work or hobbies also show improvements in their cognitive ability within a few months.
Long-term studies confirm that even light training in memory and reasoning skills ensures better functioning and greater independence in old age. In addition, another study shows that a combination of brain training, physical exercise, a healthy diet and medical supervision significantly reduces the risk of cognitive decline.
This research emphasises the importance of continuing to learn as a valuable way to keep the brain fit. For anyone wanting to age healthily, it is therefore good to regularly seek out new and challenging activities to stimulate the mind.
Source: Buck Institute
