We can all increase cognitive reserve as we age too. In a longitudinal study following participants from childhood into their late 60s, Almeida-Meza and colleagues discovered that cognitive reserve increased through enriching activities, such as education and leisure activities. Those who built it up showed less of a decline in memory – even for those who had low cognitive test scores as children.
While we can benefit at any age, this is particularly important later on in life, says Almeida-Meza. That’s because as we grow older our day-to-day life becomes more routine and we are given fewer opportunities to learn.
There are several ways to do this, you could try gardening – as it has been shown to preserve cognitive function, join a book group or simply discuss what you’re reading with a friend.
Ultimately, what’s clear is that any activity that stimulates the brain is beneficial for overall health, whether it’s a new route on a walk, reading Proust or prioritising social relationships. All of this helps build a resilient brain and slows down age-related decline, as well as making life more enjoyable in the process.
