Creative hobbies slow brain ageing
Engaging in creative hobbies may slow brain ageing, a new study finds.
Why it matters
- Creative activities can keep the brain young and improve emotional well-being.
- Understanding the biological basis of these benefits is important for aging research.
By the numbers
- 1,240 participants across 10 countries
- 232 creative individuals studied
- Expert tango dancers had brains seven years younger on average
The big picture
- Creative activities delay brain ageing and protect vulnerable brain regions.
- Implications for aging populations and cognitive health strategies.
What they're saying
- Some suggest learning languages and instruments for mental health benefits.
- Questions raised about physical fitness vs. creativity in the study findings.
- Video games and music are noted as beneficial activities.
Caveats
- Study uses brain clocks, which are models estimating brain age.
- More research needed to confirm findings and understand mechanisms.
What’s next
- Further studies to explore the mechanisms behind creative activities' impact on the brain.