“What do walkable communities, Mediterranean diets, increased Social Security benefits and participating in artistic activities all have in common?”
“Some estimates suggest that as many as one in five people over 65 have mild cognitive impairments. Since virtually all of us would like to hold onto our memories as long as possible as we age, researchers are studying all kinds of ways to prevent or forestall cognitive decline, including lifestyle changes. The latest research finds that participating in artistic activities could really help keep our minds from slipping.
“In a recent study, researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that people who engage in artistic activities in middle and older age had a 73 percent lower risk of developing a mild cognitive impairment. People who engaged in crafts had a 45 percent lower risk. People who socialized had a 55 percent lower risk. And, believe it or not, people who used a computer had a 53 percent lower risk.”
