Reading and writing as you get older could have a direct effect on the structures in your brain, which may explain why some people stay just as sharp in their 80s as they were in their younger years.
There have been quite a few studies that show older people, who like to challenge their minds, seem to stay younger. Results indicate that playing draughts, chess and doing puzzles could enhance wellness by protecting your brain from the signs of ageing.
Get Puzzled
Researchers from Rush University and Illinois Institute highlight results from past studies that link mental sharpness with these kinds of cognitive activities, but they also explain how their research is different. Axons in the brain are responsible for sending messages that are then generated throughout your whole body. Examining water in these axons gives an idea how effectively they are working, so higher values mean that they are functioning better. Experts from the institute used an MRI machine on lots of older individuals to measure the water values, which they compared with how active the participants were in terms of cognitive pastimes.
The Results
The study was unlike any other because the scientists found a link between structures of the brain and cognitive hobbies. Keeping up certain pastimes as the participants aged – which could also include writing letters and reading newspapers – seemed to have an anti-ageing effect on the water values as they remained higher. The researchers said that these kinds of activities can lead to a healthier brain, so if you want to improve your wellbeing and keep your mind young making time for puzzles, crosswords and mental challenges in general could be the ideal solution.
