People With Sharp & Witty Brains In Their 60s Usually Start These 5 Habits Early
africa_pink | Shutterstock For years, it’s been widely believed that cognitive skills decline as early as our 30s. However, a study of aging challenges that idea. If you want a sharp and witty brain in your 60s, cognitive decline isn’t inevitable.
Memory decline can be prevented, or even reversed, through regular mental engagement. The research indicates that cognitive abilities like literacy and numeracy can be improved well into your 40s and beyond. There are several habits you can start now to maintain or even improve your cognitive skills well into your sixties.
People with sharp and witty brains in their 60s usually adopt these habits:
1. They regularly exercise their brain
One of the biggest takeaways from the study was the importance of regularly using your cognitive abilities, such as reading, writing, and doing basic math. People who frequently engaged in these activities, both in their personal lives and at work, were able to retain or even enhance their cognitive skills well into their 60s.
Whether you’re managing finances or following intricate instructions at work, keeping your mind actively engaged every day helps to preserve cognitive function. The study found that folks who used these skills more frequently showed no decline in their cognitive abilities, highlighting the critical role of routine mental engagement.
2. 60-year-olds with sharp brains embrace lifelong learning and challenging tasks
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The study also showed that people who were actively searching for new learning opportunities or complex tasks tended to keep their cognitive skills sharp. Whether it’s learning a new language or engaging in hobbies that require critical thinking, lifelong learning is key.
A 2014 study found that older adults who took up a new hobby that engaged their brains, specifically quilting and digital photography, had improved memory and overall cognitive function.
3. They integrate brain-boosting activities into their routine
Another important aspect of maintaining cognitive abilities is incorporating reading, writing, and numeracy tasks into your daily routine. The study found that even small, everyday activities, such as reading a book or interpreting data at work, could help keep your cognitive abilities sharp.
The more you make these tasks part of your routine, the more you’re engaging your brain in ways that prevent decline. People who made a habit of using their cognitive skills in everyday life tended to show better cognitive performance, even as they got older.
4. People like this stay engaged in skill-related work
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The study also found that people in skill-based or white-collar jobs, where cognitive tasks like reading and numeracy are frequently used, were able to maintain or even improve their cognitive skills over time. The researchers emphasized that people in occupations that demand literacy or numeracy regularly showed continued improvement in these areas, even beyond age 40, as long as they continued to use these skills frequently.
5. They remember that mental decline isn't inevitable
The study offered a refreshing perspective on aging and how important exercising your brain truly is. Like any muscle, our brains benefit from regular use and lifelong learning; the sky's the limit for maintaining a sharp mind.
Regular use of cognitive abilities in daily life and staying engaged in skill-related activities at work all help preserve these skills. With the right habits, you can continue to improve your cognitive capabilities well into your 60s and beyond. So, keep your brain engaged and take care of your health: you’re in control of your cognitive future.
Erika Ryan is a writer working on her bachelor's degree in Journalism. She is based in Florida and covers relationships, psychology, self-help, and human interest topics.
