People who took part in leisure activities such as reading, doing crafts, or playing games are less likely to develop memory loss, or mild cognitive impairment as the experts refer to it, according to research carried out by the Mayo Clinic Population-Based Study of Aging.
Leisure activities are not just a way to fill time
People who take part in social activities and read during midlife are more likely to maintain a healthy cognitive level. Those who read books and magazines, played games, participated in crafts such as quilting and pottery or used computers were less likely to develop memory loss than their counterparts who did not.
Too much passive television watching seems to lead to mild cognitive impairment
Participants who watch television less seemed to suffer less cognitive impairment. On the other hand, the study found that people who watch television for more than seven hours a day were in danger of developing memory loss.
How the study was carried out
The study surveyed a random sample of 1,321 participants between the ages of 70 and 89. Participants were asked about their activities during midlife (between the ages of 50 and 65) and later in life (during the year before the survey). Of the participants, 197 people exhibited mild cognitive impairment and 1,124 did not.
The study was unable to address whether the activities protected against memory loss or whether avoiding them was an early sign of memory loss.
For ways in the Palmdale/Lancaster area to find a leisure-time activity that suits you check out the following:
CT’s Beads N Things Inc
43971 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
661-729-9450
Tuesday through Saturday 10-6, Thursday 10-8
Lessons in beading, knitting and crocheting
High Desert Hobbies
790 W Avenue Q Suite B
Palmdale, CA
661-267-6877 E-mail: highdeserthobbies@sbcglobal.net
radio controlled cars, airplanes, and helicopters a few trains and models
“We hold radio controlled car races on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. in parking lot behind store. Usually anywhere from 20 to 25 people show up,” says manager Dion Moore
Jo-Ann Fabrics & Craft Store
39818 10th Street West
Palmdale, CA
661-266-1710
Shady Acres Ceramics
38710 92 D Street East
Palmdale, CA
661-944-0891
Smith Brother’s Hobby Centers
1223 W. Avenue I
Lancaster, CA
661-942-6984
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Comments
This is SO true! I have noticed my father experiences less memory loss (if any) than my mother even though their ages are 7-8 years apart. My father is 81 and my mother is 73-74. Being creative (has his serious "hobby") his mind/memory is just as sharp as a 18 years old. On the other hand, my mother has been a retiree for 15 years, and during the time she has not developed any interest rather than spending most of her time of the day watching TV or taking care of my handicap father - which, she definitely does not enjoy at all.
I believe pursuing a hobby is like having a faith, and for those who believe in faith are less likely developing any illness, both physically and mentally.
BRAVO TO THE AUTHOR OF THIS ARTICLE! ONCE AGAIN, YOU NAIL IT!!!
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