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Lifestyle and Mental Wellbeing Linked to Slower Brain Aging
Table of Contents
Published December 16, 2023, updated December 16, 2025 09:07:29
Teh Connection Between Habits and Brain Age
Research published in Brain Communications suggests that lifestyle and mental wellbeing considerably impact brain aging. Individuals with a combination of healthy habits demonstrated brain ages almost four years younger than those with fewer such traits. In some cases, the difference extended to approximately eight years.
Which Habits Help?
The study identified several controllable factors associated with slower brain aging. Avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy waist size were critically important physical factors. However, mental wellbeing played a crucial role, encompassing optimism, positive emotions, low stress levels, strong social connections, and adequate sleep.
The researchers found that these factors were most effective when combined, rather than pursued in isolation. This suggests a holistic approach to health is more beneficial than focusing on a single “miracle cure.”
Here’s a breakdown of the key habits:
- Physical Health: non-smoking, healthy waist circumference.
- Mental wellbeing: Optimism, positive emotions, low stress, strong social connections, sufficient sleep.
Long-Term Effects and Other Influences
The researchers followed participants for two years, observing that the protective effects of these habits persisted over time. Individuals with more protective qualities at the study’s outset experienced slower brain aging during the two-year follow-up period.
While chronic pain and socioeconomic factors also influenced brain aging,lifestyle and mental wellbeing emerged as the most significant contributors when all factors were considered.This underscores the power of proactive health management.
Understanding Brain Age and Cognitive Decline
While the study doesn’t define “brain age” precisely, it likely refers to a composite measure derived from neuroimaging data (such as MRI scans) that assesses brain structure and function. Differences in “brain age” compared to chronological age suggest a faster or slower rate of age-related cognitive decline.
Cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, but its rate and severity can vary significantly. Factors like genetics, education, and occupation also play a role. Though,this study emphasizes the substantial influence of modifiable lifestyle factors.
| Factor | Impact on Brain Age (Years) |
|---|---|
Combination
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