We did it. According to the latest Census figures, Americans are closer than ever to reaching 90 years of age. We’ve managed to extend our lifespan to previously unimaginable numbers. But the question keeps coming to mind. At what cost? We live longer, but are we happier? What of our health, physical and mental?
People of old age inescapably face some kind of cognitive decline. One side effect of aging is cognitive impairment, particularly in areas such as fact and name recall, language use, and memory lapses. The figures are looming up to 20% of people older than 65 suffer from mild cognitive impairment, a decline of cognitive skills that’s said to be a precursor of Alzheimer’s disease.
Jump up and down, then study
Healthy lifestyle choices, when one is still young, substantially help slow cognitive decline. Numerous studies, however, point out that it’s never too late to prevent your brain from going rusty. A 2012 study published in the Behavioral Neurobiology of Aging journal asserts that a combination of physical and cognitive exercise benefits older people’s cognitive performance. The study supports that physical and intellectual activities slow cognitive decline by keeping the mind active and fit. A different 2024 study discusses this as well.
Overall cognitive exercising
Rather than focusing on a single cognitive skill, the study took a different approach, examining how an overall mental practice system can sharpen people’s cognitive skills.
This study, released in 2014, was part of the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly clinical trial and focused on older adults with mild memory impairment. Rather than seeking ways to remedy their memory impairment, the study focuses on improving and maintaining the health of other cognitive mechanisms. The findings suggested that people with mild memory loss benefited from cognitive practice unrelated to memory. In fact, they significantly improved their processing speed for information and reasoning.
Technology at your service
Just when we thought technology was to blame for obesity and the appalling inertness that takes over nations, a study by Mayo Clinic has confirmed that the combination of exercising and computer use helps lower the chances of memory loss. The findings suggested a 20% reduction in the likelihood of mild cognitive impairment when the subject exercises and uses a computer.
Pajama parties
In a study conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health, researchers found that socializing is crucial in preventing memory loss in the elderly. The study examined how socializing helps people prevent or slow memory loss. Their social integration with other people, family, and their community more generally had a positive impact on their mental health as socialization keeps people mentally active, among other advantages.
We cannot attribute cognitive decline to a single factor or cause; it is influenced by many factors and personal characteristics, so we can only hypothesize how each person might better counteract brain aging.
However, a general course of action still applies: mild physical exercise, relaxation and meditation, and brain exercises are a good start to keeping your mind sharp and your memory fit.