How older adults spend their leisure time may help keep their minds sharp and reduce the risk of dementia, according to a new study.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have found that mentally engaging activities such as reading, praying, listening to music, and socializing offer significant benefits for cognitive health.
The study analyzed the activity patterns of nearly 400 people over the age of 60. It revealed that not all sedentary activities are equal when it comes to maintaining brain health. Passive pastimes like watching television or playing video games do not provide the same benefits as more mentally stimulating pursuits.
Published in The Journal of Gerontology Series A, the research highlights how small adjustments in daily habits can make a meaningful difference in delaying cognitive decline.
Dr. Maddison Mellow, one of the researchers, noted that while physical activity is well-known for protecting against dementia, the type of sedentary activity also matters.
Activities that engage the mind, such as crafting, playing a musical instrument, or even having a conversation, can contribute to better memory and thinking abilities. Dr. Mellow added that even short, five-minute shifts in how time is spent—like trading television for reading—can positively influence cognitive health over time.
More than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and an estimated 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year, according to the World Health Organization.
These staggering numbers make it clear why researchers are exploring new ways to combat cognitive decline. The University of South Australia study supports the idea that small, consistent changes to daily routines can help mitigate the risks.
The findings align with a recent study by the RAND Corporation in California, which identified low engagement in hobbies and a lack of exercise as major predictors of dementia risk by age 80.
The study, which reviewed 181 potential risk factors, concluded that maintaining both physical and mental activity in middle age is critical for preserving cognitive health in later years.
The research suggests that incorporating enjoyable, mentally stimulating activities into daily routines could offer a practical and accessible way to support long-term brain health.
From the soothing melodies of music to the quiet focus of reading or prayer, these small adjustments may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline, providing hope in the fight against dementia.