Can reading and math keep your brain sharp as you age?

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Somya.P

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03/12/2025 at 11:00 PM

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Somya.P

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Hi everyone, how are you doing today? 😊

We often hear that cognitive decline is inevitable with age, but a new study published in Science Advances challenges this belief. Researchers found that regularly practicing math and reading can help prevent cognitive decline, and in some cases, even improve skills over time!

📖 The study tested language and math skills in people aged 16 to 65 and followed up after 3.5 years.
🔢 Those who regularly engaged in math and reading maintained or even improved their skills.
📉 Cognitive decline was only observed in those who had below-average skills to begin with.
👩‍🔬 Women’s math skills declined more sharply than men’s over time.

This study highlights the importance of lifelong learning, whether it’s reading books, doing mental math, or engaging in brain-stimulating activities.

Do you make an effort to keep your mind sharp? How often do you read or do math in your daily life?

@Gordon @Timeless @tator1999 @CDKennedy @De071061 @Src9773 @TCoffey @BeckyPelissier @JARV48 @Ms.Vee @Solomia @Minxyahoo @mskramarz7 @Emmaturtle @Thor98006 @Shenita @Hudman653 @WaltonT @smccann @Ram1948 @Judeebeez @Smilindeb @DebraBeyer @Housewife4200 @DEACONJONES @knort40 @LindaN @Bsisco66 @TracyC @MomoRgC @jesvideo @Lottoqueen @mlbrown @kmkd49 @Shyro73 @Betio68 @Pcox02004 @Suez39 @Melancholy#66 @Cybele @Eg1027 @StacyS75 @fredm400 @Pamgaff @Judygarb @Nobighurry @galesr @Mjw711 @Scott53 @CFAlexander @Kellzg39 @Mjwpain1954 @Lah2023 @fancynancy @PatOz7 @Mammaw49 @Debc7378 @Jeanechupp @Laurell410 @Beth4mom @Choirgirl @William5253 @Lillith60 @Kimf522 @Amicrazy @papajohn1001 @Dholmes723 @Moon_goddess4all @Smokitcat @Grannykathy @Makem73 @Kittydotson @sis1259 @peanutsunless @Uniquonne @Joedy1950 @DiabeticGammi @Kenyagirl @Soccer081105 @Footslogger @MsGheryll @Rhea60 @Lstukenberg @SusanT53 @LynneBrush @FabianGonzz @Toots72 @fishinghat @ThomRandolph @Johnnie.jones @Tsraut @jeaninemiller60 @gendoc @hesham @millerjeanine53 @pattimanners8 @tempo12007 @Geena81 @steadysure @MikeLaForest

Looking forward to your thoughts,

Somya from the Carenity Team 🌼

Source: Hanushek, E. A., Kinne, L., Witthöft, F., & Woessmann, L. (2025). Age and cognitive skills: Use it or lose it. Science Advances, 11(10).

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DEACONJONES

03/13/2025 at 12:24 AM

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DEACONJONES

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Yes Both Subjects Are Challenging When I Read The Bible Some Names In The Old Testament Hard To Pronounce My Mind Stay Sharp By Sounding Out The Word.

Can reading and math keep your brain sharp as you age? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/can-reading-and-math-keep-your-brain-sharp-as-you-age-6168 2025-03-13 00:24:28

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PatOz7

03/31/2025 at 3:17 PM

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@DEACONJONES I remember in public school in the late 50’s having to read an Old Testament Bible verse out loud to the class. Most of the names of people and places were impossible for a child to pronounce. The teacher actually got angry and scolded me for stumbling over those words. Even though I was young, I remember thinking that I went to church and Sunday School every Sunday morning and nobody ever yelled at me there about Bible words.

Can reading and math keep your brain sharp as you age? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/can-reading-and-math-keep-your-brain-sharp-as-you-age-6168 2025-03-31 15:17:19

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Hudman653

03/13/2025 at 4:43 AM

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Hudman653

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I play Bridge and chess and both are good for cognitive skills..Bridge requires some Math as well

Can reading and math keep your brain sharp as you age? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/can-reading-and-math-keep-your-brain-sharp-as-you-age-6168 2025-03-13 04:43:11

Nobighurry

03/16/2025 at 8:57 PM

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Nobighurry

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I read daily I also play games that help with mental cognitive issues IMO they help… Math stresses me out I had to use it for work but I am retired now after 45yrs disliked math in school too lol

Can reading and math keep your brain sharp as you age? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/can-reading-and-math-keep-your-brain-sharp-as-you-age-6168 2025-03-16 20:57:05

Selkie319

03/17/2025 at 12:09 AM

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Selkie319

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When I feel a little foggy, I always go back to reading. It just keeps my mind sharper, no matter what type of book it is. I also do crossword puzzles. They help a great deal as well.

Can reading and math keep your brain sharp as you age? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/can-reading-and-math-keep-your-brain-sharp-as-you-age-6168 2025-03-17 00:09:39

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PatOz7

03/31/2025 at 3:19 PM

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@Selkie319 My dad did The NY Times crossword puzzle every day. He did them in pen, even Sunday’s puzzle. I learned to love doing them from him.

Can reading and math keep your brain sharp as you age? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/can-reading-and-math-keep-your-brain-sharp-as-you-age-6168 2025-03-31 15:19:35

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PatOz7

03/31/2025 at 3:12 PM

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I read every day. Mostly cozy murders. Meaning nothing overly horrific which I don’t want to read since reading for me is for pleasure. Right now I’m reading historical fiction about FDR and his Secretary of State. The first woman to be appointed. So very interesting and very factual. The world was sure different in the early 1900’s.
I also play games on my iPad. Usually unscramble the letters to make the word and number games.
I do believe that you’re destined to lose brain function through genetics. Regardless of how we try to remain sharp. My best example is former President Ronald Reagan. If anyone had to use their brains more than the supreme leader of the United States, I don’t know who. But he declined into dementia regardless. Very sad to consider ourselves and where we might be headed. On the other end of the age spectrum, I knew a woman in her 90’s who was basically blind and very hard of hearing. Although she spent her adult life as a wife, mother and homemaker (not holding an outside job). she was one of the brightest, smartest person I’d met.

Never stop improving your life and your brain power!

Can reading and math keep your brain sharp as you age? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/can-reading-and-math-keep-your-brain-sharp-as-you-age-6168 2025-03-31 15:12:19

Mrspeedy

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05/04/2025 at 9:32 PM

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Mrspeedy

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Yes they keep my brain sharp, no matter the age

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Jason McNeil

Can reading and math keep your brain sharp as you age? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/can-reading-and-math-keep-your-brain-sharp-as-you-age-6168 2025-05-04 21:32:43

Can reading and math keep your brain sharp as you age?

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