6 Everyday Habits That Help Keep Your Brain Sharp

 I'm good with most, but I don't do volunteering and pets are furry anchors that keep you from travelling and anything spontaneous.

6 Everyday Habits That Help Keep Your Brain Sharp

Rituals you may already have will help keep your mind and body healthy as you age.

Eating right and getting in daily movement are important pieces in maintaining physical health as we age. But there are also things we should be doing to work our minds and stay mentally sharp as we age. The good news? The same habits that you’re likely already doing to keep your body healthy also protect your brain. And, it’s not all about diet and exercise — connecting with your community and caring for your pets help keep your mind sharp while you have fun. Here are six everyday habits that improve cognitive function. 

What You Should Know About Habits and Brain Health

Research suggests that healthy habits we associate with physical wellness can also be a major boon to our brains. Studies point to consistent exercise as one major way to help ward off dementia and boost memory and decision-making skills.

It’s not about making drastic changes, but about being consistent. Making lasting lifestyle changes can be hard, so don’t go all-out and then burn out. Instead, start by picking one or two small habits you can build on, like implementing post-dinner walks to help you reach physical activity guidelines. Once the habit is established, you can walk further or try a different mode of cardio, and incorporate strength training — supporting your physical and mental health. 

Going Deeper: 6 Brain-Supporting Habits

As we age, it’s common to have slight changes in memory, according to Harvard Health. However, misplacing your car keys often or forgetting names or words can be frustrating. That’s why incorporating healthy habits throughout your life to help keep your brain sharp is important.

Move regularly — A 2025 study published in JAMA Network Open found that those who were most physically active in midlife and late life had up to a 45 percent lower risk of developing dementia compared to their counterparts who logged the least physical activity. Studies also suggest that in people who exercise, the parts of the brain responsible for thinking and memory are larger than in the brains of those who are sedentary, according to Harvard Health. Aerobic exercise — walking, swimming, running, cycling, or dancing — looks especially protective as you age. Good cardiovascular health seems to help, too: one study of nearly 36,000 adults tied healthier hearts to healthier brain-aging markers, like less white-matter damage and larger brain volume. Current physical activity guidelines say you should aim for about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (like jogging or brisk walking) plus two strength training days a week.

1. Protect your sleep — During sleep, the brain (and body) are restoring and repairing from the day. Getting good quality sleep — and enough of it — helps enhance your cognitive performance and it’s when new information gets stored into your long-term memory, according to University of Utah Health. For adults, it’s recommended to get at least seven hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep per night. This is easier said than done, so establishing a consistent nightly routine can help you wind down. Getting outside during the day, or using light-therapy lamps during winter months can help support your circadian rhythm. 
2. Eat a balanced diet — A well-balanced diet is one of the most important ways you can support your overall health. Eating a mix of protein, fat, and carbs, can help support heart health, reduce risk of stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, and more. Plus, you’ll be getting in brain-supportive nutrients like omega-3s, B vitamins, iron, and fiber. A plant-based diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and legumes can also help stave off dementia, according to a 2026 study published in Neurology. Plus, green leafy veggies like kale and spinach are rich in brain-supporting nutrients like vitamin K and beta carotene, according to Harvard Health. Drinking coffee and caffeinated tea may help with focus and short-term cognition. Research-backed patterns include the Mediterranean, Nordic, DASH, Okinawan, and MIND diets, which center around fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean protein while limiting sugar and salt.
3. Volunteer — A 2025 study found that putting in about two to four hours of helping a week was consistently linked to real cognitive benefits, including slower decline, compared to not pitching in at all. And, it doesn’t have to be anything too formal — it could be as simple as assisting a friend with a home cooked meal or driving someone to their medical appointments. What’s more, volunteers scored higher on memory and thinking tests than non-volunteers in a recent study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Other options to help you get started include local nonprofits, libraries, and animal shelters.
4. Lean into hobbies — Picking up a new hobby or picking back up an old hobby you love is a great way to boost your mood and your memory (and a good reason to trade some passive screen time for something more active). Regularly engaging in mental stimulation you enjoy can help support your memory and slow the brain’s aging. Some hobbies, like playing a musical instrument, may even help the brain form new connections and boost your working memory. Playing games, a favorite hobby of many, has been shown to support both short- and long-term memory, and healthy brain aging. Engaging hobbies are linked to lower risk of serious cognitive decline.
5. Care for animals — Pet ownership can help keep your brain sharp, according to a 2025 study published in Scientific Reports. Researchers found that dog owners had a slower decline in memory while cat owners better retained the ability to easily produce words. Overall, animal interaction is tied to more social contact and lower risk of depression, anxiety, and isolation. No pet? Volunteering at a shelter folds two habits into one.

The Takeaway

Making small changes to your daily health habits will support your body and mind. Getting — and staying — physically active will help keep your mind sharp, and starting small is the best way to do it. Pick one habit, like a post-dinner walk or a ritual to support a consistent bedtime routine, and build on it as you make small changes toward your goal. Once you’ve mastered one goal, you can add another brain-boosting habit to your routine.

Bottom Line

Healthy habits, like focusing on a whole-food diet and getting enough physical activity help support brain and body health. While it’s important to remember these habits can’t guarantee cognitive health, implementing a routine to support your brain (and body) is key to healthy aging. 

Neuroscientists recommend these 10 hobbies for brain health

 

Have your competent? doctor summarize this INTO AN EXACT PROTOCOL! You don't want to do it wrong and your doctor, IF COMPETENT AT ALL, should easily be able to do that. But you don't have a functioning stroke doctor, do you?

Neuroscientists recommend these 10 hobbies for brain health

Living a long and healthy life might be surprisingly impacted by your leisure activities. Finding the right hobbies to keep your brain sharp is something that doctors recommend for people of all ages. No matter what your interests are — getting outside, music, painting, socializing with others in your community — there's sure to be a brain-boosting hobby on this list that you'll want to try.

“Engaging in hobbies is one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy,” says Vonetta Dotson, PhD, chief of neuropsychology at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, author of Keep Your Wits About You: The Science of Brain Maintenance as You Age and founder and CEO of CerebroFit Integrated Brain Health. “Many hobbies, such as making art or playing music, challenge your mind, which strengthens the brain’s ability to adapt and build new connections.”

“Learning something new is stimulating and rewarding. Many studies have shown that novel, positive experiences promote the release of dopamine, which reinforces the actions involved in the positive experience,” says Margaret Rice, PhD, professor in the departments of neurosurgery and neuroscience at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Here are the best hobbies for brain health, according to experts.

Aerobic Exercise

It’s probably no surprise that physical activity, such as brisk walking or hiking, tops the list of hobbies that are good for you. One recent review found that exercise improved cognitive function in the study participants in their 50s and older, regardless of their cognitive status. It doesn't matter what you choose: “The best exercise is the one you’ll do regularly,” says Rice.

Dancing

(The one thing I will not do because embarrassment. My left arm bounces, not a good look for my partner.)

Take a dance class alone or go dancing regularly with a partner, either way, dancing requires both physical and mental engagement, which supports neuroplasticity. While dancing ticks the box for aerobic exercise, it also often involves a social aspect, which is protective for brain health, says Dotson.

Music

(Live music Sunday and Tuesday night at bars; there will be no condemnation of my drinking. It improves my social connections which will prevent dementia)

Whether listening to music, singing, or learning to play a musical instrument, music has been shown to keep our brains nimble. Research hasn’t identified why music is so good for us, but one theory is that it engages multiple neural systems of the brain. In addition, if you’re learning a new instrument, for example, you’re challenging your brain to adapt, and novelty activates neuroplasticity, says Dotson.

Gardening

(Not going to occur, live in a condo.)

Whether you plant flowers, vegetables or herbs, gardening has been shown to be good for the brain. One study showed levels of brain nerve growth factors related to memory were significantly increased after gardening activity. Gardening also yields a sense of accomplishment, which is linked with better cognitive health, says Dotson.

Arts and Crafts

(Most of these are two-handed endeavors so impossible for me because of massive failures of my doctor and therapists!)

Creating something with your hands is another way to keep your brain healthy. Dotson notes that one study found that engaging in visual arts, such as coloring, doodling and free drawing, activated the medial prefrontal cortex. Participants found the activities relaxing and reporting improvements in creativity and problem-solving at the end of each art-making session.

Volunteering

(Not in my wheelhouse.)

Social interaction keeps the brain agile, and volunteering also allows us to feel a sense of connection and purpose, says Dotson. One study found that formal volunteering was associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning over time, especially working memory and processing.

Needlecraft

(Doctor failure, Two hands needed most of the time.)

Sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, lacemaking and embroidery are hobbies that can support brain health. Dotson highlights the findings of a recent review which noted that needlecraft has a positive effect on mental health and general well-being, including fostering social connection and providing a sense of purpose, achievement and satisfaction.

Reading

(Doctor failure, Physical books are hard to keep open one-handed and turn pages without dropping the book. eBooks are not the answer.)

One long-term study found that reading, especially in those who do it more than once a week, prevents long-term decline in cognitive function in older people. Reading keeps language centers activated, so choose whatever fascinates you, whether it’s mystery, fantasy, or historical fiction, says Rice.

Puzzles and Games

(Scrabble is frustrating when going up against someone who has memorized all the 2 and 3 letter words. Several online games I play daily; Best fiends, Bolts Off, JigLive.)

Research has found that your daily word puzzle aren’t just a way to waste time; they support brain health. “Word puzzles can help your language skills and strategic and flexible thinking,” says Rice. So, go ahead and enjoy your daily dose of Wordle, Scrabble or a word search.

Birdwatching

( I turn on the Merlin app which identifies bird sounds, very seldom do I see the birds.)

Besides supporting local wildlife, who knew birding could be good for you? Dotson points to a recent study that found that encounters with birdlife were associated with improvements in mental wellbeing, including in people with a diagnosis of depression. So, go ahead and feed the birds or bird watch in your own backyard to get a positive brain boost.

Scientists say if you're over 50, this hobby can improve your brain health

 You'll be extremely lucky if your doctor gets you recovered enough to do any of these.

Scientists say if you're over 50, this hobby can improve your brain health

1) Aerobic Exercise

(Since my doctor was a complete failure at getting me recovered this doesn't occur!)

It’s probably no surprise that physical activity, such as brisk walking or hiking, tops the list of hobbies that are good for you. One recent review found that exercise improved cognitive function in the study participants in their 50s and older, regardless of their cognitive status. It doesn't matter what you choose: “The best exercise is the one you’ll do regularly,” says Rice.

2) Dancing

(The one thing I will not do because embarrassment. My left arm bounces, not a good look for my partner.)

Take a dance class alone or go dancing regularly with a partner, either way, dancing requires both physical and mental engagement, which supports neuroplasticity. While dancing ticks the box for aerobic exercise, it also often involves a social aspect, which is protective for brain health, says Dotson.

3) Music

(Live music Sunday and Tuesday night at bars; there will be no condemnation of my drinking. It improves my social connections which will prevent dementia)

Whether listening to music, singing, or learning to play a musical instrument, music has been shown to keep our brains nimble. Research hasn’t identified why music is so good for us, but one theory is that it engages multiple neural systems of the brain. In addition, if you’re learning a new instrument, for example, you’re challenging your brain to adapt, and novelty activates neuroplasticity, says Dotson.

4) Gardening

(Not going to occur, live in a condo.)

Whether you plant flowers, vegetables or herbs, gardening has been shown to be good for the brain. One study showed levels of brain nerve growth factors related to memory were significantly increased after gardening activity. Gardening also yields a sense of accomplishment, which is linked with better cognitive health, says Dotson.

5) Arts and Crafts(Most of these are two-handed endeavors so impossible for me because of massive failures of my doctor and therapists!)

Creating something with your hands is another way to keep your brain healthy. Dotson notes that one study found that engaging in visual arts, such as coloring, doodling and free drawing, activated the medial prefrontal cortex. Participants found the activities relaxing and reporting improvements in creativity and problem-solving at the end of each art-making session.

6) Volunteering

(Not in my wheelhouse.)

Social interaction keeps the brain agile, and volunteering also allows us to feel a sense of connection and purpose, says Dotson. One study found that formal volunteering was associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning over time, especially working memory and processing.

7) Needlecraft

(Doctor failure, Two hands needed most of the time.)

Sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, lacemaking and embroidery are hobbies that can support brain health. Dotson highlights the findings of a recent review which noted that needlecraft has a positive effect on mental health and general well-being, including fostering social connection and providing a sense of purpose, achievement and satisfaction.

8) Reading

(Doctor failure, Physical books are hard to keep open one-handed and turn pages without dropping the book. eBooks are not the answer.)

One long-term study found that reading, especially in those who do it more than once a week, prevents long-term decline in cognitive function in older people. Reading keeps language centers activated, so choose whatever fascinates you, whether it’s mystery, fantasy, or historical fiction, says Rice.

9) Puzzles and Games

(Scrabble is frustrating when going up against someone who has memorized all the 2 and 3 letter words. Several online games I play daily; Best fiends, Bolts Off, JigLive.)

Research has found that your daily word puzzle aren’t just a way to waste time; they support brain health. “Word puzzles can help your language skills and strategic and flexible thinking,” says Rice. So, go ahead and enjoy your daily dose of Wordle, Scrabble or a word search.

10) Birdwatching

( I turn on the Merlin app which identifies bird sounds, very seldom do I see the birds.)

Besides supporting local wildlife, who knew birding could be good for you? Dotson points to a recent study that found that encounters with birdlife were associated with improvements in mental wellbeing, including in people with a diagnosis of depression. So, go ahead and feed the birds or bird watch in your own backyard to get a positive brain boost.

Want to Live Longer? A Neuroscientist Says These Surprising Daily Habits Make It Much More Likely

Bet your doctor doesn't tell you about #1 or #2. I'm good with all of them, especially coffee.
https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/want-to-live-much-longer-a-neuroscientist-says-these-surprising-daily-habits-make-it-much-more-likely-youll-live-past-90.html
If you want to live long and prosper, step one is to make sure you "live long."
We've seen recently that drinking lots of coffee makes a long life more likely. (Also, never smoke.)
But now, stunning new research presented by a neuroscientist at the American Association for the Advancement of Science suggests there could be four other key habits that make it much more likely you'll live past 90.
The research was led by Claudia Kawas of the University of California, Irvine, where she's the Nichols chair in clinical neuroscience and a professor of neurobiology and behavior and neurology.
For the past 15 years, Kawas and her team have been examining the health and habits of 1,700 people over the age of 90, to determine what makes it more likely that people will live to that age.
The cohort is called simply the 90+ Study, and it's ongoing (details below if you know someone over 90 who might want to join).
Here are the key findings Kawas presented. Two of them are especially surprising.

They drank alcohol.

Participants in the 90+ Study who consumed the equivalent of two glasses of beer or wine per day were 18 percent less likely to experience premature death. (More on this one below.)

They were slightly overweight.

Those who were a bit overweight during their 70s (but not obese) were 3 percent less likely to experience premature death.

They had hobbies.

This one is a bit less surprising, but had the biggest percentage impact: Participants who devoted two or more hours a day to hobbies were 21 percent less likely to die early.

They had some physical activity.

Specifically, engaging in physical activity such as walking for 15 to 45 minutes each day reduced the likelihood of an early death by 11 percent.
Unfortunately, although perhaps not unexpectedly, about 40 percent of people over 90 suffer from dementia, according to the study, and 80 percent have some kind of disability.
We should spend a little bit of extra time on what's probably the most surprising finding: the one that suggests drinking alcohol improves longevity.
The thing to keep in mind here is that it's moderate alcohol use that appeared to have a positive outcome on life expectancy--just a couple of glasses a day.
"I have no explanation for it, but I do firmly believe that modest drinking improves longevity," Kawas was quoted as saying by the British newspaper The Independent.
By the way, if you or someone you know is approaching 90 years or is that age or older, the 90+ Study is looking for more participants.
Requirements: You must be able to participate in two annual visits with researchers, and be willing to donate your brain to research after death. You can call (949) 768-3635 in the United States or email study90@uci.edu for more information.

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The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

World Stroke Congress 2016 exhibit - Post Stroke Hobbies

What a fucking small idea. Nothing like ignoring all the problems in stroke, not even considering any of the  BHAGs(Big Hairy Audacious Goals) 

 that need solving: 

1. 30% get spasticity NOTHING THAT WILL CURE IT.

2. At least half of all stroke survivors experience fatigue Or is it 70%?

Or is it 40%?

NOTHING THAT WILL CURE IT.

3. Over half of stroke patients have attention problems.

NOTHING THAT WILL CURE IT.

4.  The incidence of constipation was 48%.

NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL CURE IT.

5. No EXACT stroke protocols that address any of your muscle limitations.

6. Poststroke depression(33% chance)

NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS IT. 

7.  Poststroke anxiety(20% chance) NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS IT. 

8. Posttraumatic stress disorder(23% chance)  NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS IT.

  9.  12% tPA efficacy for full recovery NO ONE IS WORKING ON SOMETHING BETTER.

10.  10% seizures post stroke NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS IT. 

11. 21% of patients had developed cachexia NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS IT. 

 

12. You lost 5 cognitive years from your stroke  NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS IT.

13.  33% dementia chance post-stroke from an Australian study?

       Or is it 17-66%?

       Or is it 20% chance in this research?

NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS THIS

 

World Stroke Congress 2016 exhibit - Post Stroke Hobbies 

Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of the stroke art exhibition at the last World Stroke Congress in Istanbul, we are planning a similar event for hobbies, to be on display at the next congress in Hyderabad in October, 2016.

"A hobby is a regular activity that is done for enjoyment, typically during one's leisure time. Hobbies can include collecting themed items and objects, engaging in creative and artistic pursuits, playing sports, or pursuing other amusements."

Many stroke survivors find great solace in taking up hobbies which are also an important activity in rehabilitation following their stroke. We feel an exhibition of the different varieties could inspire and encourage others. Read the entire letter here.

Greetings,

Sandra Levy

Secretary Stroke Support Organizations Committee

Click here to find out how patients can enter.

- See more at: http://www.world-stroke.org/newsletter/latest-updates/18-news/latest-updates/280-post-stroke-hobbies-call-for-submissions#sthash.J3A45QRY.dpuf

Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of the stroke art exhibition at the last World Stroke Congress in Istanbul, we are planning a similar event for hobbies, to be on display at the next congress in Hyderabad in October, 2016.

"A hobby is a regular activity that is done for enjoyment, typically during one's leisure time. Hobbies can include collecting themed items and objects, engaging in creative and artistic pursuits, playing sports, or pursuing other amusements."

Many stroke survivors find great solace in taking up hobbies which are also an important activity in rehabilitation following their stroke. We feel an exhibition of the different varieties could inspire and encourage others. Read the entire letter here.

Greetings,

Sandra Levy

Secretary Stroke Support Organizations Committee

Click here to find out how patients can enter.

My hobby is to document all the ways that the stroke world can be improved, but it doesn't lend itself to a picture.

Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of the stroke art exhibition at the last World Stroke Congress in Istanbul, we are planning a similar event for hobbies, to be on display at the next congress in Hyderabad in October, 2016.

"A hobby is a regular activity that is done for enjoyment, typically during one's leisure time. Hobbies can include collecting themed items and objects, engaging in creative and artistic pursuits, playing sports, or pursuing other amusements."

Many stroke survivors find great solace in taking up hobbies which are also an important activity in rehabilitation following their stroke. We feel an exhibition of the different varieties could inspire and encourage others. Read the entire letter here.

Greetings,

Sandra Levy

Secretary Stroke Support Organizations Committee

Click here to find out how patients can enter.

- See more at: http://www.world-stroke.org/newsletter/latest-updates/18-news/latest-updates/280-post-stroke-hobbies-call-for-submissions#sthash.J3A45QRY.dpuf