Keeping the brain young is a goal that many of us want to achieve. But are you sure you really know which factors influence the “age” of our gray matter?
It’s not just about genetics—it’s about daily choices we can make to slow down brain aging.
From lifestyle to physical health, every aspect of our well-being directly affects brain health. So, here’s what we can do every day to keep it young and active for longer.
Brain Aging: A Challenge We Can Win
Keeping the brain young requires a 360-degree approach to health.
As we age, it’s normal for our brains to undergo physical changes. Neuronal connections become less efficient, and in some areas, brain cells shrink. But not everything is written in our DNA. There are lifestyle factors that can deeply influence how our brain ages—and science has proven it.
A recent study conducted in Sweden examined how lifestyle and health conditions can determine the age of our brain.
The results are surprising: it’s not just chronological age that matters, but also our daily habits.
If you want to keep your mind young, you need to pay attention to what you eat, how much you move, and how you take care of your mental health.
Risk Factors: When Inactivity Harms Your Mind
Physical inactivity is one of the main risk factors. When we don’t move enough, it’s not just our body that suffers—our mind does too.
Various studies show that sedentary people tend to have a greater “brain age gap.” This means that their brain appears biologically older than their actual age.
So, how can we reverse this trend?
Regular physical exercise is one of the best ways to fight neuro aging.
And we’re not talking about exhausting gym workouts! Even a daily walk, a few hours of gardening, or practicing yoga can work wonders. The key is to keep our body moving.
Heart Health: The Hidden Link to Brain Health
Another crucial factor is heart health.
Not everyone knows that cardiovascular well-being has a direct impact on the intellect. In fact, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes have been linked to accelerated its aging.
A healthy heart leads to a younger brain. But why?
Like every other organ, needs a good blood supply to function at its best. And this flow is only ensured by healthy blood vessels.
Monitoring blood pressure, following a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity are key to keeping cardiovascular risk factors under control. Obesity, for example, is another factor that can negatively affect brain health—but once again, physical exercise plays a fundamental role.
Expert Advice
Experts agree on a few key points. To keep the brain young, physical activity isn’t enough—mental and social engagement are just as important.
Stimulating the mind with intellectual activities and maintaining social interactions can slow cognitive decline. Learning new skills, solving puzzles, reading, and even engaging in conversations are all activities that “train” the cognitive and improve its functions.
Sleep is also a crucial factor: getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night is essential for brain health. During sleep, the brain not only rests but also performs important “cleaning” and reorganization processes.
The Bottom Line
To keep it young, it’s not enough to take care of the body—we must also take care of the mind.
Every small daily action makes a difference: from choosing a balanced diet to maintaining good mental health and managing stress levels.
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This article first appeared on Grazia.it
