Whether you enjoy painting, drawing, sculpting, or sewing, taking up any crafty hobby in middle and old age lowers your risk for mild cognitive impairment by 45% to 73%, the study data show. Attending book clubs or study groups—or other types of social gatherings—was also shown to offer similar protections. MORE: 4 Simple Ways To Keep Alzheimer’s Out Of Your Future These activities may protect your neurons, the building blocks of your brain, from dying, says study coauthor Rosebud Roberts, of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, in a press release. Roberts says crafts and socializing may also stimulate the growth of new neurons. Experts say many other activities, from writing a letter to reading a newspaper, can similarly shield your mind from age-related brain drain and diseases like Alzheimer’s. Exercise is also an awesome (and research-backed) way to keep your noodle strong. MORE: What A Perfect Day For Your Brain Looks Like
