Cognitive decline is an unfortunate reality for many people as they age, with research showing that this decline can begin as early as people’s 30s or 40s. Often, the rate of decline accelerates once people reach their 60s.
Conventional wisdom has attributed this decline to the aging process itself. However, new research…and recent events…suggests that cognitive decline may be more of a “use it or lose it” phenomenon.
It’s All About Learning
For a long time, educators and researchers have observed that school-aged children experience what’s known as the “summer slide” while on their summer break. In other words, during the summer, students tend to forget a lot of what they learned during the prior year.
During Covid, educators and researchers noticed that many students were suffering from additional “sliding” as a consequence of school shutdowns and virtual learning.
In response to these observations, researchers subsequently turned their focus to adults.
After adults finish their formal education and job training, they generally lose access to in-person education. This is a circumstance that for most adults will last for decades (i.e. much longer than children experience over summer break).
The latest research has reached two conclusions:
- Losing the opportunity for structured learning can contribute to cognitive setbacks in adults.
- Renewing access to learning opportunities has the potential for reversing cognitive decline at any age.
In one recent study, thirty adults between the ages of 58 and 86 took part in a three-month learning program. Each adult took three two-hour classes each week, with topics including photography, foreign languages, and music (among others).
Participants’ cognitive scores during the learning program improved significantly. The researchers also observed additional improvement over the following year.
Looking for Learning Opportunities
Having said all of the above, finding learning opportunities as an adult can be daunting. And the longer you’ve been away from a structured learning environment, the more intimidating the prospect can be.
However, a little creativity can go a long way:
- Check your local universities and junior colleges for adult education classes. Who knows…you may wind up being inspired to pursue a new degree in an area of interest.
- Start a community garden with your neighbors.
- Join a book club.
- Take classes in cooking, investing, painting, or anything else that interests you.
- Learn a foreign language.
- Learn to play a musical instrument.
Keys to Successful Learning
Keep in mind that not all educational opportunities will have the same benefits when it comes to preserving cognition.
Factors that could impact your results:
- Group versus Solo Learning
While any learning is beneficial, group learning that has a social component to it is optimal. - Schedule and Structure
Educational opportunities should occur on a regular basis, they should be structured in nature, and ideally, they should be something you look forward to. - Have Fun
This isn’t grade school, so you are not obligated to learning something that might not be of interest to you. As an adult, you’ve earned the right to study something that interests you.
Other Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp
Apart from structured learning opportunities, be sure to include the following in your brain-healthy habits:
- Maintain a healthy diet that is full of nootropic (brain healthy) foods, such as fatty fish, berries, leafy green vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Take nootropic supplements that include lots of antioxidants, like choline, phosphatidylserine, Omega-3 fatty acids, and resveratrol.
- Minimize stress to reduce the harmful effects that excess cortisol production can have on your brain.
- Keep your hormones balanced to health levels.
At Renew Youth, we understand that preserving cogitation is an important part of any health aging program. We can support your efforts by providing individualized hormone restoration programs, as well as advice on lifestyle choices and dietary supplements.
For more information, contact Renew Youth at 800-859-7511 or use our contact form to set up your free 30-minute consultation.