Many people believe that memory and thinking skills naturally decline with age. However, a new study suggests that the brain may continue to improve well into later life, even into a person’s 90s, with just a few minutes of daily mental training.
What Did Researchers Find
The research published in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’, conducted by scientists at the Centre for BrainHealth, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, followed nearly 4,000 adults aged between 19 and 94 years over a period of three years. Researchers found that participants who spent just 5 to 15 minutes a day on brain-training activities showed measurable improvements in several aspects of brain health.
According to the researchers, brain health improved across all age groups, including people in their 80s and 90s. The findings suggest that the brain retains its ability to adapt and grow throughout life, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity.
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To measure progress, researchers used a tool called the BrainHealth Index (BHI), which analyses factors such as mental clarity, emotional wellbeing and a person’s sense of connection and purpose. Participants who regularly engaged with the training activities showed improvements in these areas over time.
Interestingly, the greatest improvements were seen among people who started with the lowest brain health scores. Researchers believe this shows that it is never too late to invest in brain health, regardless of age or current cognitive ability.
The study also found that engagement mattered more than age, gender, or education level. In other words, people who consistently practised the activities were more likely to benefit than those who participated less often.
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The training programme focused on skills such as strategic attention, reasoning, and cognitive flexibility. Participants were encouraged to focus on important tasks, identify key ideas from information rather than memorising details, and consider different perspectives when faced with challenges. These exercises were designed to strengthen higher-level thinking skills.
Experts say the findings highlight the importance of keeping the brain active throughout life. Activities such as reading, learning new skills, solving puzzles, writing by hand, engaging in creative hobbies, and maintaining social connections may all help support long-term brain health.
Final Word
While more research is needed to understand which activities are most effective, the message from the study is encouraging: improving brain health does not require hours of effort each day. Even 15 minutes of regular mental exercise may help keep the mind sharper, healthier, and more resilient as we age.
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Current Version
Jun 17, 2026 13:33 IST
Published By : Chanchal Sengar
