Digital photography better for elderly brains than crosswords

The former required active engagement and tapped working and long-term memory,

whilst the other involved high-level cognitive processes.

The others listened to classical music and completed word puzzles or were

assigned to a social group that included interactions, field trips and

entertainment.

Dr Park said: “The findings suggest engagement alone is not enough. The

three learning groups were pushed very hard to keep learning more and

mastering more tasks and skills. Only the groups that were confronted with

continuous and prolonged mental challenge improved.”

Importantly the researchers were able to systematically intervene in people’s

lives by putting them in new environments and providing them with skills and

relationships.

Dr Park said: “Our participants essentially agreed to be assigned

randomly to different lifestyles for three months so we could compare how

different social and learning environments affected the mind.

“People built relationships and learned new skills – we hope these are

gifts that keep on giving and continue to be a source of engagement and

stimulation even after they finished the study.”

The researchers are planning on following up with the participants one year

and five years down the road to see if the effects remain.

They believe the study has the potential to be profoundly important and

relevant – particularly as the number of seniors continues to rise.

“This is speculation but what if challenging mental activity slows the

rate at which the brain ages? Every year you save could be an added year of

high quality life and independence.”

Digital photography better for elderly brains than crosswords