Experts say that regularly doing this every day can make your brain “younger by 30-50 years.”
As you age, your entire body, including your brain, undergoes the aging process and changes. One of the most significant and noticeable changes during aging is the decline in brain function. Issues such as memory loss, difficulty remembering information, and decreased concentration can occur more frequently.
However, Dr. Michael Mosley from the UK has shared that individuals can “revitalize” their brains simply by learning three new skills simultaneously.
In a podcast episode of Stay Young, Dr. Mosley noted: “Scientists conducted a study involving participants with an average age of 70 and found that they could perform memory tests as well as individuals who were decades younger after learning new skills.”
Learning new skills can help revitalize the brain. (Illustrative image).
In this podcast episode, Dr. Mosley invited the author of the study, Dr. Rachel Wu from the University of California, Riverside, to explain the brain-rejuvenating benefits of learning new skills.
Discussing the research, Dr. Rachel stated: “My study focused on older adults (ages 60-80). The study lasted for about three months.
Participants had to learn three new skills at the same time, dedicating about 15 hours each week to homework and attending classes.”
The new skills included learning a new foreign language or photography skills. Participants learned both in-depth theory and creative practice. All of these skills were entirely new to the study participants.
Dr. Rachel shared: “We found that by the end of the study, the cognitive abilities of the participants were equivalent to those of individuals 30 years younger.”
One year after the study concluded, the results were even more surprising.
Dr. Rachel remarked: “The cognitive abilities of the participants were similar to those of individuals 50 years younger.”
During the process of learning new skills, participants also significantly improved their memory and concentration.
Based on the study results, Dr. Rachel stated that to help the brain “feel” decades younger, individuals should consider discovering three new skills that challenge their limits.
For example, people might combine learning a new language, playing a new musical instrument, and engaging in a new sport to reap the benefits of “revitalizing” their brains.
Dr. Rachel added: “We always encourage everyone to spend as much time as possible learning new skills each day. The effectiveness of learning on brain health will depend on the amount of time you dedicate to studying. This means that the more time you spend learning new skills, the greater the benefits of ‘revitalizing’ your brain.”
