Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »
Tue 06 Jun 2009Research reveals the recipe for staying sharp in old age
A RECIPE for staying sharp in old age has been uncovered by scientists who studied more than 2,000 men and women through their 70s and 80s. The four key factors involved in preventing mental decline were found to be exercise, education, social activity and not smoking.
Researchers carried out a series of memory and mental tests on 2,500 men and women aged 70-79 over an eight-year period. Just over half the participants showed a normal rate of age-related decline while 16 per cent suffered a major reduction.
Choose a Subscription type - required
