For long-term brain health, older adults might want to carefully consider how they spend their downtime, according to a new study.
Researchers from the University of South Australia assessed the 24-hour activity patterns of nearly 400 people over age 60.
When it comes to brain health, the study found that the context or type of activity individuals engage in matters, news agency SWNS reported.
Some sedentary behaviors are better for cognitive function than others, according to the findings, which were published in The Journal of Gerontology Series A.
Mentally stimulating behaviors, such as reading, listening to music, praying, crafting and playing a musical instrument — as well as social behaviors like chatting with others — are beneficial for memory and thinking abilities, the study noted.
The research team referred to the “valuable insights” that could help reduce instances of cognitive impairment. More passive activities, like playing video games or watching TV, do not offer the same benefits as reading, praying and other activities, they noted.