A study from the University of South Australia suggests that how we spend our downtime could significantly impact our cognitive health, with some sedentary activities offering more brain benefits than others.
Published in the Journal of Gerontology | Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
In an era where streaming services and video games compete for our leisure time, researchers have discovered that not all sitting activities are created equal when it comes to brain health. The study, which examined 397 older adults aged 60 and above, revealed that mentally stimulating sedentary activities like reading or playing musical instruments could help preserve cognitive function, while time spent watching television might have the opposite effect.
“In this research, we found that the context of an activity alters how it relates to cognitive function, with different activities providing varying levels of cognitive stimulation and social engagement,” explains Dr. Maddison Mellow, lead researcher at the University of South Australia.
The findings come at a crucial time, as current statistics show that approximately 411,100 Australians are living with dementia, with women comprising nearly two-thirds of cases. Globally, the World Health Organization reports over 55 million dementia cases, with almost 10 million new cases emerging annually. The encouraging news is that at least 45% of dementia cases could potentially be prevented through lifestyle modifications.
The research team identified several beneficial sedentary activities that could support cognitive health:
- Reading
- Listening to music
- Praying
- Crafting
- Playing musical instruments
- Social conversation
Dr. Mellow emphasizes that while the traditional health message of “move more, sit less” remains valid for overall health, a more nuanced approach might be necessary when considering cognitive function. The study suggests that strategically choosing mentally engaging seated activities could provide cognitive benefits, even during periods of physical inactivity.
For those concerned about their viewing habits, especially during holiday seasons, the researchers offer practical advice. “Even small five-minute time swaps can have benefits,” Dr. Mellow notes, suggesting that breaking up TV watching with short periods of physical activity or mentally engaging tasks like reading could help establish healthier patterns.
Glossary
- Cognitive Function
- The mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension, including thinking, remembering, learning, and reasoning.
- Sedentary Behavior
- Activities that require very little physical movement and involve sitting or lying down, such as reading or watching television.
- Modifiable Lifestyle Factors
- Aspects of daily life that individuals can change to improve their health outcomes, such as diet, exercise, and leisure activities.
Test Your Knowledge
What percentage of dementia cases could potentially be prevented through lifestyle modifications?
45% of dementia cases could be prevented through modifiable lifestyle factors.
How many Australians are currently living with dementia?
Approximately 411,100 Australians (or one in every 1000 people) are living with dementia.
What distinguishes beneficial sedentary activities from potentially harmful ones in terms of cognitive function?
Beneficial sedentary activities involve mental stimulation or social engagement (like reading or conversation), while passive activities like watching TV may be detrimental to cognitive function.
How does the research suggest we should modify the traditional “move more, sit less” health message?
The research indicates that while physical activity remains important, we need a more nuanced approach that considers the cognitive engagement level of sedentary activities, as some seated activities can be beneficial for brain health.
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