Learning new skills can have a profound impact on our brain health and slow down the aging process, according to renowned health guru Michael Mosley. In a recent episode of his podcast, Stay Young, Mosley shared scientific research that suggests learning three new skills simultaneously can reduce brain age by up to 50 years.
The findings come from a study conducted by Dr. Rachel Wu from the University of California Riverside, who drew inspiration from the way young children constantly acquire new skills. Dr. Wu hypothesized that older adults could experience similar benefits.
The study involved a group of older adults, ranging from their 60s to mid-80s, who engaged in three months of intense learning. They dedicated about 15 hours per week to learning new skills, such as photography and Spanish. Importantly, participants were assigned skills they had little prior knowledge of in order to challenge them.
By the end of the three-month intervention, the participants demonstrated cognitive abilities comparable to middle-aged adults who were 30 years younger than them. However, the most surprising findings emerged one year after the intervention concluded. Dr. Wu reported that the participants were performing more like younger adults, so 50 years younger.
Not only did the participants experience improved memory and attention span during the learning period, but the effects appeared to have a lasting impact on their brain health.
To keep the brain young, experts recommend finding three different skills that present a challenge. It is crucial to select skills that are dissimilar from one another, as this can maximize the desired effects. For example, one might consider learning a language, playing a musical instrument, and participating in a sport. The more time one can dedicate to learning these skills, the more benefits they are likely to experience.
Dr. Wu encourages individuals to incorporate as much time as possible into their daily lives for learning new skills. Taking the time to acquire new abilities can lead to significant cognitive benefits, potentially reducing brain age and improving overall brain health.
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to take proactive steps to keep our bodies and minds in optimal condition. Learning new skills is not only a way to challenge ourselves, but it has the potential to reinvigorate our brains and slow down the aging process. So, take up that language course, pick up a musical instrument, and discover a new sport. Your brain will thank you for it.
