Posted on June 28th, 2010
Taking a walk, savoring a cup of tea with a friend and stubbing out the smokes for good may be important factors in keeping you sharp as you age.
A new study published in the journal Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, reports on a study done at the University of California, San Francisco. Scientists there followed 2,500 people between the ages of 70 and 79. The study lasted for eight years, and in that time, the elders were tested several times.
The study concluded that older people who exercise at least once a week, have at least a high school education and a ninth grade literacy level, are not smokers and are more socially active are more likely to maintain their cognitive skills.
Many of the participants did demonstrate a drop in thinking and processing abilities. 53% showed normal age-related decline and 16% showed major cognitive decline. However, 30% of the participants had no change or actually improved on the tests over the years.
That prompted the researchers to look at factors that differentiated people who stayed sharp. Those maintaining cognitive skills were most likely to participate in regular physical activity, have higher levels of education and literacy, and were more likely to volunteer, work or have regular social connections.
What do you do to keep yourself active and your mind motivated?
