Everyone has their own way of relaxing - some choose a book, others prefer TV series or video games. At the same time, scientists warn: daily habits can affect brain health much more strongly than it seems at first glance. This is reported by The Mirror.
Researchers from the University of South Australia analyzed the daily activity of 397 older adults to see how different types of activities were associated with the risk of cognitive decline. The scientists assessed how much time the participants spent on physical activity, social interaction, and sedentary activities.
The results of the study were encouraging for those who enjoy intellectual and social activities. It turned out that reading, crafts, communicating with other people, listening to music and even prayer have a positive effect on brain function and help maintain cognitive function.
However, watching TV and playing video games, according to the researchers, can have a negative impact on brain health. As one of the study authors, Maddison Mallow, explained, not all sedentary activities affect cognitive abilities in the same way.
She says that a sedentary lifestyle accompanied by mental stimulation or social interaction — such as reading or talking to friends — is good for the brain. At the same time, passive activities, such as watching TV for long periods of time, can contribute to cognitive decline.
The researcher also emphasized that the advice to "move more and sit less" remains relevant for heart health, but the effects of sedentary activities on the brain are much more complex. The best option for supporting both physical and mental health is movement that brings pleasure and increases heart rate.
Even short five-minute breaks for light exercise can have a positive effect. If you plan to watch movies or TV series for a long time, experts advise taking breaks to move or partially replacing screen time with reading, which stimulates the brain better.
According to Mallow, it is these small but regular steps that help gradually form healthy habits and reduce the risk of age-related memory and thinking impairments.
