Want to keep your mind sharp as you age? Try this activity

It’s music to our ears.A study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry tracked more than 1,100 adults over 40 — with an average age of 68 — to see which pastimes packed the biggest cognitive punch.Researchers compared participants who’d engaged with music — whether by singing, playing an instrument, or listening to tunes — against those who hadn’t.The results showed that lifelong musicians outperformed non-musicians on tests of memory, problem-solving and mental processing speed.“Playing keyboard instruments showed the strongest effect on both memory and executive function,” Anne Corbett, a professor of dementia research at the University of Exeter in the UK, told Newsweek.

“Brass and woodwind instrument playing also benefited memory, whilst singing was linked with better complex task completion.”The study’s authors believe playing music and singing can exercise the brain in ways that can help stave off cognitive decline.“Playing and reading music are complex tasks which challenge the brain,” Corbett said.

“It is likely that by engaging with music in this way people are increasing their brain’s resilience by forming more complex connections, in a similar way to learning a second language or performing brain-training tasks.Engaging with music will activate key pathways in the brain that promote memory, problem-solving and complex thinking and this then improves their overall brain function.”She noted that while the findings could not be applied directly to dementia — as the study was on healthy adults — people with dementia do seem to respond well to music, suggesting it could serve as effective part of their treatment.

The findings align with previous research that found participating in music-related activities — such as playing instruments or singing — can enhance cognitive functions like memory and attention.Other activities that help ward off dementia include praying, learning a second language...