When most people retire, they’re advised to “relax” and take up something fun. However, neurologists reveal that the sharpest 80-year-olds have one unexpected daily practice in common – learning something genuinely difficult.
Unlike their peers who settle into comfortable retirement routines of crosswords and book clubs, these individuals find ways to challenge themselves mentally. Research shows that mental exercise needs to be equally strenuous as physical exercise to maintain cognitive function.
One author recounts her journey learning to play the cello at 70, a decision her friends thought was ridiculous but ultimately led to improved cognitive scores and a rediscovery of joy in learning for its own sake. By embracing challenges and refusing to accept that the best days of learning are behind them, individuals can build new pathways in their brain.
The habit that separates mentally sharp 80-year-olds from the rest is not meditation or exercise, but rather the daily practice of doing something difficult enough to want to quit. By continuing to learn and struggle, we can stay engaged, build cognitive reserve, and maintain mental sharpness as we age.
This article highlights the importance of finding ways to challenge ourselves mentally in old age, challenging common retirement advice that prioritizes comfort over cognitive function.
Source: https://vegoutmag.com/lifestyle/s-an-neurologists-say-one-daily-habit-separates-mentally-sharp-80-year-olds-from-the-rest-and-most-people-quit-it-after-retirement