Longevity Linked To Learning - Yahoo Report

Longevity Linked To Learning - Yahoo Article

Ongoing Learning Increases Longevity, Researchers Sayby Gabby Hyman

This Feb 2007 compilation by Yahoo is quite an interesting one that suggests that continuous learning is perhaps the long sought holy grail for youth.

Excerpts:

1. After decades of studies, researchers continue to find that those who keep their minds engaged in active education live longer and stave off the ravages of aging, such as memory loss and lethargy.
2. Comprehensive studies on the effects of ongoing learning on aging appear to support the contentions of 3rd Century BC philosopher, Aristotle, who said, "Education is the best provision for old age."
3. In her ground-breaking 1999 study, Columbia University grad student Adriana Lleras-Muney found that when people reached age 35, their life expectancy was increased by 18 months if they completed an extra year of education. Research done by a few others seemed to support such a finding.
4. The Alzheimer's Association now sponsors "Maintain Your Brain" workshops throughout the country, encouraging people to stay physically and intellectually active.
5. Learning constantly seems to activate parts of the brain that slow aging and increase memory, emotional engagement, and intellectual curiosity.
6. Some doctors encourage "Mental Aerobics" - exercise for the mind. A popular anti-aging book, The Longevity Bible, proposes an eight-step game plan to keep your body supple and your mind in peak condition. Number one on the list: "Sharpen Your Mind..."
7. The New England Journal of Medicine published a study in 2003 that revealed that old people who continued to read actively along with engaging in other physical and artistic activities had lower rates of Alzheimer's disease.
8. Researchers have showed that the idle mind, like muscles in the body, atrophies from nonuse.

Interesting read, the full report here

Some links that were used as references by the author of the article:

"Brain Health." Alzheimer's Association National Office
Hartman, Diana. "Life, Learning, and Longevity." BlogCritics Magazine
Small, Gary, Ph.D. "Eight Essentials."
Stenson. Jacqueline. "A Workout For Your Brain." MSNBC