Creative pursuits like tango dancing, music, visual arts, and strategy gaming can make brains appear four to seven years younger than actual age, according to new research. Scientists analyzed brain data from 1,472 participants across 13 countries using “brain clocks” that estimate biological age from electrical brain activity patterns. Experts in creative fields showed negative “brain age gaps,” meaning their brains looked younger than predicted. The more skilled participants were in their creative domain, the greater the youth effect. A separate experiment found non-gamers who trained 30 hours in StarCraft II also reduced their brain age and improved attention skills. The benefits centered in brain regions that handle planning, focus, and coordination—areas most vulnerable to aging. (Story URL)
PHONE TOPIC: What creative hobby is helping to keep you young?