3. Lifelong learning
One large predictor of ageing well is how many years an individual has spent in education. Those who spend more time in education show a reduced dementia risk. Learning throughout our lives can help promote the same health-protecting benefits. Our brain thrives on challenge and novelty because doing so strengthens brain areas most vulnerable to ageing. When we keep our brain active, it has been shown to slow down cognitive decline.
A key reason for this is because learning creates new neurons as well as strengthening existing ones, which can buffer against ageing and cell death. This is neuroplasticity in action, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and change throughout our lifespan.
Gardening has been shown to preserve cognitive function
“It’s precisely that plasticity and that ability to regenerate new nerve cells and synapses that gives people resilience against Alzheimer’s,” says Chan.
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