What's your latest passion?
One of the most powerful messages coming out of the brain fitness science these days is that having intellectual passions is a major factor in any good brain fitness plan. Things we do to "stretch" our minds force us to think differently or look at the world through a constantly evolving lens. While on the surface such activities seem like the most obvious way to keep our minds sharp, the science behind intellectual engagement is truly more complex than simply a "use it or lose it" equation.
So why do I and other brain health experts spend so much time getting people to stretch their brains? Why does what we do with our minds matter so much? Here are some of the reasons why I'm a big fan of being intellectually passionate at every age:
- A passionate mind leads to a healthy brain. One measure of brain fitness is the physiological health of our brain itself. Intellectual enrichment has been associated with enhanced neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to make new connections and grow new neurons in both animal and human studies. For example, a German study found that adults who became proficient jugglers showed increased brain volume on imaging studies.
It was Rene Descartes, the French philosopher, who centuries ago counseled us that "It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well." While our understanding of the science behind having a good mind may have advanced, the advice remains the same. Take up a new language, master a new computer game, enroll for that drawing class you've always meant to take. Whatever your latest passion, pursue and enjoy! Consider such passionate pursuits part of your "Total Brain Health" prescription for staying vital and independent -- they are good for your mind, good for your brain, and, perhaps best of all, good for your spirit.
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