Many centenarians keep their brains active and maintain hobbies, which are often associated with their longevity.

 

Engaging in mental and social activities helps sustain cognitive health and emotional well-being, contributing to a fulfilling life. 

 

Here’s why it's important:

 

1. Mental Stimulation - Activities like reading, solving puzzles, learning new skills, or playing musical instruments stimulate the brain and may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. 

 

2. Social Interaction - Many centenarians stay socially engaged through hobbies that involve others, such as gardening clubs, community events, or volunteering. This sense of connection and purpose plays a significant role in overall happiness.

 

3. Physical Activity - Hobbies such as walking, gardening, or yoga contribute to better physical health, which is closely linked to cognitive well-being.

 

4. Sense of Purpose - Hobbies provide a sense of achievement and purpose. Whether it’s creating art, solving puzzles, or pursuing lifelong interests, these activities add meaning to daily life.

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So, try to delve into a diverse range of hobbies and skills to expand your horizons and keep your mind and body engaged.

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Challenge: - 

 

As part of Step 11, start one (or more) of the following challenges this week:-

 

A) Learn something new

This could be a tune or few chords on an instrument - or research and learn new facts about something you're interested (or even not interested) in - Learn a couple of sentences in a foreign language - or learn a practical or work related skill like upskilling in spreadsheets for financial planning or project management software. Or sign up for a course in something you've always been interested in.

 

B) Start a hobby

This could be painting or drawing, reading classic or modern literature, writing short stories or poetry, or make a habit of visiting somewhere you've never been and of interest - or finishing a puzzle or a crossword. 

 

C) Join a social activity

Art clubs, book clubs, yoga, tennis or paddle, dancing or boxing classes or volunteering, all help stimulate the mind and help you form more social connections. 

 

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Let me know how you get on with your chosen challenge...I’d love to hear about your experience and progress!

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Sources and further research

 

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) / PMC

  • Source Focus: Activity Engagement and Cognitive Performance (supporting the Cognitive Reserve Theory).

  • Key Claim Backed: Engaging in a variety of cognitive, social, and physical activities (like reading, writing, and playing games) serves as a protective factor against age-related changes in mental function and reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

  • Link: Activity Engagement and Cognitive Performance Amongst Older Adults

• News-Medical.net (Reporting on University of Eastern Finland Research)

  • Source Focus: The role of Social Support in older adults' health.

  • Key Claim Backed: Access to adequate social support is associated with longevity among older adults. Having general and health-related social support was shown to significantly reduce older adults' mortality risk.

  • Link: Social support plays an important role in health and well-being of older adults

• MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

  • Source Focus: Active Aging and health promotion initiatives.

  • Key Claim Backed: Physical activity is essential for promoting health and enhancing the quality of life among older populations. The research confirms that the benefits of physical health are reinforced by engaging in intellectual and social activities.

  • Link: Older Adults' Perceptions of Health, Quality of Life, and Access to Health Promotion Initiatives for Active Aging

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