In 2007, researchers were on a mission to understand why some people become “SuperAgers“—those who live to their 80s without major chronic conditions and have the brain health of someone much younger. Is it genetics? Lifestyle? Luck?

Nearly two decades later, the team was surprised. “We didn’t find these gene variants that we thought we might find,” Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, which conducted the study, tells Fortune.

This cohort of more than 1,000 people with an average age of 87, who Topol refers to as “the wellderly,” helped scientists uncover a new meaning of “SuperAgers”—one that gives much more weight to lifestyle than previously thought.

“There’s only a small component here that’s actually genetic. It’s been overestimated,” Topol says. “I was personally relieved because I have such a terrible family history. That felt good, that, hey, maybe I’m not destined to suffer the same illnesses.”

Topol’s latest book, Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity, is the culmination of decades of work and highlights the key factors for living longer.

In a world where longevity has become a wellness megatrend, dominated by a growing number of companies offering scans, tests, lifestyle hacks, and more, Topol is eager to cut through the noise. “We have a lot of things that are without any basis out there, and some of it is egregious,” he says, nodding to companies solely selling supplement subscriptions, full-body MRIs, and not widely recommended medicines under the guise of longevity experts.

For Topol, reversing aging or gamifying longevity isn’t the goal; instead, the focus is on reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases that become more common with age.

Here are three key takeaways from Topol’s years of observing SuperAgers:

Can I reverse aging with exercise?

Exercise is an age-old pillar of health and for good reason. Exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, helps keep the brain active and fight cognitive decline, and decreases the risk of age-related falls and frailty.

“Exercise is extraordinary. It works across all three age-related diseases,” Topol says of cancer, heart disease, and dementia, highlighting that it is the most effective way to keep the immune system healthy and fight disease.

As a cardiologist, Topol has always championed aerobic exercise to reduce the risk of heart disease. Since studying the “wellderly,” he encourages adding strength training, including grip strength exercises and resistance training, to counter age-related muscle and bone loss and improve balance and mobility.

Can a Mediterranean diet slow aging?

The Mediterranean diet is the standard diet in many of the world’s blue zones. The diet, consisting of whole foods, colorful fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, olive oil, and minimal dairy, is the diet that’s most protective against chronic diseases, Topol says. Research suggests that a diet is associated with improved bone, heart, and brain health, as well as a reduced risk of cancer.

“It’s the best backed-up diet we have,” Topol says of his research on aging thus far. “That diet has consistently been shown to be a winner.”

The diet also de-emphasizes ultra-processed foods, or what Topol refers to as UFOs of food, which can, when consumed routinely, increase the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and stroke, and lead to early mortality.

Embrace preventive screenings

Age-related diseases usually progress within 20 years. Topol says many people are unaware of their risks for age-related diseases, and therefore, aren’t making lifestyle changes that could help mitigate those risks.

“How will we be able to forecast very reliably when, who, and what of these conditions we will be at risk for so we can prevent them for the first time?” he asks. More preventative screenings are going to become mainstream, he says.

While the traditional health system treats patients after they are sick, Topol hopes that progressive medicine and technology will help quantify people’s risk, allowing them to take more control earlier. If someone recognizes that they have an increased risk for Alzheimer’s, using a brain clock or blood test to detect amyloid plaques associated with the disease, they may be more apt to adopt a healthier lifestyle, Topol says.

“We can get ahead of it, so that you never have to face that disease in your lifetime,” he says. “We can make big inroads by preventing age-related diseases.”

A version of this story originally published on Fortune.com on May 23, 2025.

More on aging:

In today’s fast-paced world, where diet trends come and go, one truth remains consistent: what you eat in midlife and how you maintain your body composition can significantly impact your brain health later in life. A groundbreaking research from Oxford University, University College London, and other leading institutions across Europe reveals that diet quality and waist-to-hip ratio during midlife are closely linked to brain connectivity and cognitive performance in older age. Want to stay sharp in old age? Your midlife diet holds the key, says new study!(Image by Unsplash)

The midlife connection to brain health

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from the Whitehall II Study, a longitudinal cohort that has tracked British civil service workers since 1985. With over 10,000 participants, this extensive research examined how dietary choices and waist-to-hip ratios over two decades influenced brain function and connectivity in later life.

The findings revealed that healthier diets and lower abdominal fat in midlife were associated with improved brain health, stronger memory and enhanced executive function in older adults. [Also read: Make your brain younger: This one phone setting can reverse 10 years of cognitive ageing]

Why diet and waistline matter for your brain

For years, research has shown that obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes increase the risk of dementia. However, this new study shifts the focus to overall diet quality and body fat distribution, rather than just individual nutrients or body weight alone.

Researchers say that people with larger waist circumferences were more likely than smaller-bellied people to have problems with the heart’s left ventricle, which pumps oxygen-rich blood to the brain and the rest of the body.(Shutterstock)

The research team used the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010) to evaluate participants’ dietary quality. Higher AHEI-2010 scores—indicating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins—were linked to:

Stronger brain connectivity: Higher scores were associated with increased hippocampal functional connectivity, essential for memory and cognitive flexibility.

Higher scores were associated with increased hippocampal functional connectivity, essential for memory and cognitive flexibility. Better white matter integrity: The brain’s communication pathways were better preserved, reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

The brain’s communication pathways were better preserved, reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Sharper cognitive performance: Participants with higher diet quality performed better on memory, executive function, and fluency tests.

Conversely, a higher waist-to-hip ratio in midlife was correlated with:

Weakened white matter integrity: Reduced communication between different brain regions.

Reduced communication between different brain regions. Cognitive decline: Increased risk of memory loss and slower processing speeds.

Increased risk of memory loss and slower processing speeds. Dementia risk: A trajectory toward more significant brain aging.

The science behind it

Using advanced brain imaging techniques like diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional MRI (fMRI), researchers visualised how midlife lifestyle factors shape the brain. Those with better diets and healthier body composition displayed stronger neural connections and better-preserved white matter structures that are crucial for maintaining cognitive abilities with age.

A call for lifestyle changes

Experts emphasised that while genetics play a role in cognitive ageing, lifestyle factors like diet and weight management are within our control. In a commentary published alongside the study in JAMA Network Open, Dr Sharmili Edwin Thanarajah from Goethe University Frankfurt highlighted the study’s significance within the larger public health challenge of preventing dementia.

He pointed out that the rising global obesity epidemic—affecting 43 percent of adults and 20 percent of children—poses a challenge for cognitive health strategies.

Cakes and cookies: A higher intake of foods like cakes, cookies, crackers or cold drinks is as bad for your waistline as for your brain. It is essential to cut down on the intake of refined sugar particularly those present in processed foods. One should instead opt for healthier options like fruits.(Unsplash)

“Personal responsibility alone won’t be enough,” said Dr Thanarajah. “We need systemic interventions to make healthier diets accessible and to create environments that support long-term wellness.”

This research underscores the importance of making healthy choices well before old age. The habits you form in your 40s and 50s could determine how sharp your mind remains in your 70s and beyond.

By adopting a nutrient-rich diet and maintaining a healthy waistline, you are investing in a future with better brain connectivity, cognitive resilience and overall well-being. So, the next time you reach for a meal, consider this: your brain will thank you decades later.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Are you struggling to stay focused in an age of pings, notifications and multitasking? The digital revolution has brought convenience but eroded our attention spans, leaving many struggling to stay sharp. Mental fitness is a trending fitness perspective that is emerging as an addition to your fitness routine to thrive in a distracted world, and there are many good reasons for it.

Understanding mental fitness

Mental fitness refers to the practices and habits that help maintain and improve cognitive function. Exercising your brain is about actively building resilience against distractions and nurturing the brain’s capacity for focus, creativity and problem-solving. Physical fitness enhances endurance and strength but creates neural pathways that improve concentration and clarity.

With attention spans decreasing, digital-age distractions reduce productivity, cause mental fatigue and trigger burnout. Addressing these challenges requires deliberate action.

The science of distraction

The human brain desires constant change, a powerful trait that helps humans thrive. In a fast-paced information age, this instinct can help us rise above distractions and embrace our brain’s abilities. However, whenever we switch tasks – checking a notification or responding to an email – we use “task switching,” which drains mental energy and diminishes efficiency.

Distractions can impair cognitive control by limiting the brain’s ability to manage focus and decision-making, leading to impulse decisions and emotion-led reactions. The good news is that mental skills are strengthened through practice, just like training muscles at the gym.

Long-term benefits of mental fitness

Investing time in exercising your brain has long-term benefits. Contributing time to exercise the brain enhances memory, focus and overall cognitive resilience as you age.

Cognitive aging

Mental fitness practices are essential for combating age-related cognitive decline. Activities that challenge the brain, such as learning new languages or playing musical instruments, build cognitive reserves that can delay conditions like Alzheimer’s.

Mental fitness as preventative care

Just as physical exercise prevents chronic diseases, mental fitness reduces the risk of mental health disorders. For instance, mindfulness has been shown to lower the risk of depression and anxiety.

Building emotional resilience

Mental fitness strengthens emotional regulation, which helps navigate stress and adapt to life’s challenges effectively. Over time, this resilience fosters greater life satisfaction and well-being.

Impact on society

Individuals who prioritize mental fitness are more focused and resilient. Due to their higher emotional intelligence, they are better able to contribute to productive workplaces, harmonious relationships and healthier communities.

A generational legacy

When adults learn the importance and impact of mental fitness, they pass it on to the next generation. Be a role model for mental fitness to children, equipping them with skills to manage distractions, build resilience and thrive in a tech-driven world. Early adoption ensures that future generations consider mental fitness integral to their health.

How to build mental fitness

Incorporating mental fitness does not require significant lifestyle changes or time commitment. Small, consistent habits can significantly impact brain health and longevity. Here are practical strategies to help you stay sharp.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation has gained popularity over the last decade. A study by ScienceDirect shows that, in as little as eight weeks, practicing mindfulness for less than 15 minutes daily can improve attention, working memory and recognition memory.

There are many techniques for practicing mindfulness. Some of the most popular include deep breathing or body scanning, which can calm the mind, enhance self-awareness and help one be present. Others enjoy gratitude journaling to bring optimism and awareness to their lives.

Embrace digital minimalism

Limiting screen time can reduce cognitive overload. Start by turning off non-essential notifications and designating tech-free hours. Smartphones have many tools for blocking distracting websites and setting time limits.

Single-tasking over multitasking

Contrary to popular belief, multitasking reduces efficiency and increases errors. Adopting single-tasking – focusing on one task at a time – can improve productivity and satisfaction. The Pomodoro technique involves working in 25-minute focused intervals followed by short breaks as an effective way to stay engaged.

Consistently stimulate your brain

Cognitive exercises such as puzzles, memory games and learning new skills challenge the brain and promote mental fitness. Reading, taking up a musical instrument, spending time solving puzzles, mastering a new language or even brushing with your non-dominant hand can enhance the brain’s function.

Prioritize nutrition

What you eat directly impacts brain function. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseeds and walnuts, support cognitive health, while antioxidants in berries help protect brain cells. Add whole grains, leafy greens and hydration to boost brain health.

Physical activity

Physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promoting better memory and focus. Activities like yoga combine physical movement with mindfulness, providing a dual benefit. In addition, regular aerobic exercise can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Invest in sleep

Reaching deep sleep is essential for memory consolidation and emotional regulation. Yet, many sacrifices rest to meet the demands of busy schedules. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night and establish a consistent bedtime routine. Reducing screen time before bed can improve sleep quality.

Mental fitness in the digital era

Living in a technology-driven era can decrease cognitive decline, but technology can also benefit brain functioning when used correctly. Technology transforms mental fitness, offering new tools to sharpen focus, build resilience and manage distractions.

AI-driven cognitive training

Various phone applications are evolving by incorporating artificial intelligence to personalize brain-training exercises. These platforms analyze user performance over time, adjusting difficulty levels to optimize cognitive engagement and growth.

Wearables for mental clarity

Devices such as Muse and Apollo Neuro are revolutionizing how we track and improve mental fitness. Muse, a brain-sensing headband, monitors brain activity during meditation and provides real-time feedback to enhance focus. Apollo Neuro uses vibrations to reduce stress and improve cognitive performance, promoting a sense of calm even in high-pressure situations.

Virtual reality for mindfulness

Virtual reality or VR platforms immerse users in guided mindfulness exercises, offering an engaging way to meditate and escape distractions. A study by ScienceDirect found that VR environments help users improve their mindfulness training and mental health.

Neurofeedback training

Emerging technologies allow individuals to train their brains by observing their neural activity. Carious devices are now on the market to let users learn how to regulate their focus and calm their minds to cognitive performance.

AI as a cognitive aid

Although AI can limit an individual’s ability to use creativity, specific tools can also support mental fitness. Using AI tools to assist with mundane tasks frees mental space for strategic thinking and creative endeavors. The key is to use AI mindfully to complement human capabilities, not replace them.

Get started in a new era of wellness

The rise of mental fitness reflects a broader shift in how we approach wellness. It’s no longer just about physical health; it’s about nurturing the mind. Staying sharp will become an increasingly valuable skill as distractions become more pervasive.

The journey to mental fitness doesn’t require perfection. It starts with small, intentional steps. Whether you meditate for a few minutes, take a walk in nature, eat brain-boosting foods or set aside time to learn something new, every effort counts.

As we embrace mental fitness, we improve our ability to focus and reclaim our ability to live fully in the present moment. In today’s fast-paced world, that may be the most critical skill.

Shweta Gadhia is the creator of Share the Spice, a food blog featuring flavorful vegetarian and vegan recipes inspired by cultures worldwide. With her nutrition and public health background, she empowers readers to confidently prepare wholesome meals that the whole family will enjoy.

Cognitive decline is natural: it starts to subtly set in by our 40s, and by your mid-50s it’s perfectly normal to find yourself standing in the middle of a room, scratching your head, saying, “Now why the hell did I come in here?”

While the odd midlife memory lapse is a normal part of the ageing process, a new study has found that there are three distinct peaks, when cognitive decline is more evident in all of us. However, these clear spikes seen at 57, 70 and 78 are significantly more pronounced in some people, and the reason for that is simple: lifestyle.

The Chinese study, published in the journal Nature Aging, measured levels in the brain of 13 proteins that are associated with accelerated brain ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. What’s interesting is that the peaks are related to shifts in our lives, from the midlife drop in our hormones to the impact of retirement. The downstream effect they have on our brain is evident years afterwards. But that’s not to say their impact is out of our hands.

Prof Barbara J Sahakian, of the University of Cambridge’s Department of Psychiatry, is the co-author of Brain Boost, a book about the multiple physical and mental actions that support lifelong healthy cognitive function.

She explains the study in its simplest terms: “These key ages in the study are when we begin to see substantial brain changes. At 57, it’s about how well we have managed the physical changes that come with middle age and menopause; at 70, it’s about how well we have kept our brains stimulated in the run up to and post-retirement, and at 78, it’s related to levels of those ‘cognitive reserves’ we have built up by challenging ourselves to do hard things.

“Just like we manage cholesterol long before it causes a heart attack, so too, by adopting lifestyle changes at least 10 years before these peaks described in the study, we can change our future. That’s the key message.”

In short, for brain health we need to both act now, and plan ahead.

Why your brain ages rapidly at 57

When middle-aged spread starts to impact the brain

By 57 your brain is shrinking. It’s a process that starts as early as 30, but it’s now that the reduction in brain volume is clear because of diminishing white matter; the network of nerve fibres which allows the different brain regions to communicate effectively. In short, your broadband is slowing down.

This natural decline is exacerbated by middle-aged spread. Dr Sabine Donnai, a longevity doctor with a special interest in brain health, says weight gain influences our brain functioning in multiple ways. “It is linked to decreased blood supply, hence a decrease of nutrients and essential fats the brain needs, and a build-up of waste products that are not being transported out. Body fat is also inflammatory. Obesity is linked to oxidative stress, those unstable oxygen atoms that damage cells, including neurones.”

Recent research also suggests high cholesterol can increase the risk of dementia, so that’s worth keeping an eye on at your midlife health check.

What you can do about it

The Nature Aging study was done on healthy people, and what was clear was that the poor lifestyle choices of the people with the worst levels of the proteins had had a huge impact. But it works the other way too. Studies show exercise is incredibly neuroprotective. For example, it increases the size of the hippocampus and improves memory.

Prof Sahakian keeps the advice simple. “It’s time to start and keep exercising, which has many benefits, including bone density and preventing depression. The data shows that any exercise that raises your heart rate a bit is better than being sedentary. So the best exercise regimen is one you can stick to.”

Dr Donnai wants us to go about our daily task with added verve. “I get a lot of activity into my day,” she says. “I walk up the escalator. Don’t use your hands when standing up. Push back your chair and get up without using your hands. Don’t say, ‘Lift that for me,’ Say, ‘I can lift that box, I can bend down’. As you go about your daily tasks, be aware of activity that challenges your muscles. In short, don’t stop moving.”

Dr Donnai recommends testing for signs that your metabolism might be struggling, such as blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and keeping an eye on your waist-to-hip ratio. For women, anything over 0.85 is a red flag, while in men it should be below 0.9. For more in-depth analysis of the current state of your brain, Dr Donnai offers a brain assessment programme at her London clinic, Viavi, advising on ways to reduce your Alzheimer’s risk.

She has a shopping list of precautions and treatments. “If you haven’t ever looked at your hormones, do it. Oestrogen, cortisol, insulin and testosterone are all hormones essential to brain health in myriad ways. I always say, you stop your HRT [hormone replacement therapy] the day you want to age. There are large-scale studies that support HRT as being cognition-protective.

“Our lifestyle choices are 90 per cent of both the risk and the fix for cognitive decline.”

Why your brain ages rapidly at 70

The ‘retirement effect’

At 70 we start to see the most well-known of the 13 proteins associated with cognitive decline, tau, accumulate in the brain. There is the cortical thinning that leads to reduced synapse connections in areas responsible for thinking and learning. And there is shrinkage in the frontal lobes and hippocampus, the areas of the brain responsible for higher cognitive function.

The decade before 70 is when we really start to see neural pathways suffer as a result of lowered stimulation levels. “It’s the retirement effect,” Prof Sahakian says. “Around 60, people get a bit comfortable, they might avoid challenging and difficult things and start coasting on experience.” This is a terrible idea. As Prof Sahakian says: “There’s plenty of scientific evidence to support the saying ‘use it or lose it’.”

What you can do about it

Dr Donnai says: “Focus on activities that grow your brain; do not get into the habit of taking the easy option. Don’t settle for sudoku and crosswords; really challenge your brain. Ballroom dancing, a language, table tennis.”

She says we must not be afraid of early testing for Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. “We can see the protein changes 10-15 years before people become symptomatic and show any evidence of decline. Lifestyle can’t stop it entirely, but the longer you have to make changes and build cognitive reserves, the better the outcome.”

Cognitive reserve describes our resilience to brain deterioration, and it can significantly delay the onset of neurodegeneration and the impact of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. “In the face of a brain injury or Alzheimer’s, a stored-up cognitive reserve will make you more resilient to its effect,” says Prof Sahakian.

Building cognitive reserves starts in childhood. But a 2022 study published in Neurology found that even people who develop high “cognitive reserve” by the time they reach 69 may reduce their likelihood of memory and thinking decline, even if they have low childhood cognitive abilities. “Ten or 15 years before, we should be embracing new things. It isn’t necessarily about learning Mandarin,” says Prof Sahakian.

Prof Sahakian sees this period as crucial for addressing serious risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s: loneliness and social isolation, which studies say can increase the risk of dementia as much as 30 per cent and 60 per cent respectively. “One study showed that five of the 13 proteins linked to brain ageing increased in response to loneliness.”

Humans need socialising and stimulation. If that happens in the pub, she says, so be it.

“Excessive drinking of alcohol is undeniably a problem, but most people enjoy a drink or two if it helps them relax and be sociable. A lot of face-to-face social contact is extremely good for older people.”

In short, sociable chats over a little drink are just what the doctor ordered.

Why your brain ages rapidly at 78

Drawing down on your cognitive reserves

Brain volume further reduces, as does blood flow to the brain. There is an accumulation of proteins linked to inflammation, and cognitive reserves are starting to run out.

What you can do about it

While you might prefer the kids to set up your new telly, the better decision is to work it out for yourself. “IQ is genetic, but education and learning new things is completely within your control,” says Prof Sahakian. “The protective effects of cognitive reserve are well recognised.” Multiple studies show those of us who have developed a deeper well of neuronal connections to fall back on fare better, even when our brain is damaged by age-related decline.

Theresa May famously talked about “girl jobs” and “boy jobs”, but there are great benefits to being able to do all the jobs, according to Prof Sahakian. If your household tends towards siloed roles in a marriage, a little role reversal is just what the doctor ordered.

Dr Donnai says we should be constantly “on top of things that cause inflammation. That means eat well, exercise, relax and avoid sugars and too much stress. Stress is meant to be a reaction to an acute situation – all energy gets shifted towards dealing with the emergency. Chronic stress diminishes the available energy for essential repair and growth functions.”

Avoid too many of those things in our environment that are foreign to our DNA. “The unnatural substances that the body sees as a threat. There are plenty of studies that show insidious effects of chronic, low-level toxin build-up. Our detoxification pathways are incredibly efficient, but they are just overwhelmed by the number of different chemicals in so many of our everyday products,” says Dr Donnai.

We all know about the toxins in cigarettes and alcohol, but there are also risks in everything from food packaging and deodorant to mattresses and takeaway coffee. Use a plastic-free cup and if you get a takeaway drink, don’t suck the hot liquid through plastic. It’s fine on the odd occasion, but day after day, the percentage of microplastics leaking into your drink will accumulate.

Dr Donnai is reassuringly confident in the medicinal power of our lifestyle. “Everything about our brain is geared to fight for its survival. If we support our body with good food, stay physically active and ensure we get adequate sleep, we need not accept the biological decline we associate with ageing.”

If age is a state of mind, this is when the mind begins to decline.

A new study has revealed that brain aging peaks at three distinct ages: 57, 70 and 78.

The research, published in Nature this month, analyzed the brain scans of more than 10,000 adults and looked for changes in their blood protein.

They identified 13 blood proteins that were associated with the “brain age gap,” an indicator for cognitive decline, and found “brain age-related change peaks at 57, 70 and 78” years of age, according to the report.

6 Researchers have found the ages at which brain aging peaks. Atthapon – stock.adobe.com

6 Brain aging peaks at three distinct ages, the researchers said, but there are ways to stave off cognitive decline through lifestyle choices. oatawa – stock.adobe.com

But there are ways to slow the brain aging process, according to science.

According to Business Insider, the key to longevity could lie in your diet.

The outlet reported that eating ample protein, such as certain fatty fish, or legumes, nuts and whole grains can stave off cognitive aging and improve memory. Leafy greens are also chock-full of essential nutrients that also help the brain.

One previous study claimed that consuming daily multivitamins could be an easy way for older adults to ward off cognitive decline.

6 Diet is an important part of brain health. My Ocean studio – stock.adobe.com

Experts have also presented evidence that the Mediterranean diet — which relies on greens, fruits, nuts and fish — can help keep the brain healthy even as it ages.

“A healthy diet helps to improve brain health and prevent cognitive decline,” registered dietitian nutritionist Dr. Lisa Young, who is also a nutrition professor at New York University, previously told The Post.

Exercise is also important for keeping the mind sharp.

“If you want to maintain your mobility and cognitive abilities, one investment you can make is exercising and using your muscles on a daily basis,” neurologist Kim Johnson Hatchett previously told Self.

“You might be surprised to know that even a little bit of daily movement reduces your dementia risk,” she added.

6 Daily movement is imperative for optimal brain function and health. Flamingo Images – stock.adobe.com

6 Research has shown that getting consistent, good sleep is better for the brain and overall wellness. LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS – stock.adobe.com

Getting some shut-eye is also imperative for optimal brain function and health.

One study published last year found that sleep deprivation can age the brain, and, on the other hand, getting good sleep — sleeping the same amount of time, at least seven hours, every night — can slow the aging process, according to another report.

Learning new things also positively impacts brain health, according to Rachelle Summers, a neuroscientist and mental wellness coach.

“Activities that challenge your brain — like learning a new language or learning to play an instrument can enhance memory performance,” Summers said online earlier this year.

“These activities stimulate the brain and can promote the growth of new neural connections.”

6 Loneliness can negatively impact cognition, according to research. pressmaster – stock.adobe.com

Loneliness, on the other hand, can negatively affect the mind.

According to The World Health Organization, loneliness is as bad for overall health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. For instance, chronically lonely older adults could be at an increased risk of stroke, according to one study, and could lead to brain shrinkage.

“Given the profound health and societal consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an obligation to make the same investments in rebuilding the social fabric of society that we have made in addressing other global health concerns, such as tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis,” US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy previously said.