Research reveals the recipe for staying sharp in old age

A recent study revealed four factors—exercise, education, social activity, and not smoking—that helped in the prevention of mental decline. The study, which followed 2,500 men and women aged 70-79 over a period of eight years, focused on what factors helped people maintain sharp mental faculties. The results, compiled from a series of memory and mental tests, showed that just over half of the participants experienced a normal rate of age-related decline. A major reduction in mental faculties was found in 16% of the men and women. And 30% of the volunteers remained unchanged or showed improvement. The researchers examined the lifestyle factors that stood out among the 30% of participants that remained quick-witted in old age. The four major factors were identified as follows:

1. People who exercised at least once a week were 30% more likely to “stay sharp.”
2. Those with a good education were nearly three times more likely to maintain facilities. High levels of literacy were associated with a five-fold better chance to avoid decline.
3. Non-smokers were nearly twice as likely to remain mentally fit than smokers.
4. Volunteers who stayed socially active were 24% more likely to avoid mental deterioration later in life.

This study was led by Dr. Alexandra Fiocco, from the University of California, San Francisco. The findings were published in the June 9, 2009, print issue of Neurology. Summary of the article, “Research reveals the recipe for staying sharp in old age,” published June 9, 2009, on irishtimes.com