If you're over 65 and these 8 things come naturally to you, your cognitive health is exceptional - Silicon Canals

"Remember when we used to think cognitive decline was just an inevitable part of aging? Turns out, that's not the whole story. Recent research from the University of California found that some people in their 70s and 80s have memory performance comparable to people 20 to 30 years younger. These "super-agers" aren't just lucky; they share specific habits and abilities that keep their minds sharp."

"After interviewing dozens of neurologists and cognitive health experts over the past few years, I've noticed patterns in what separates those with exceptional cognitive health from the rest. The fascinating part? Many of these traits feel so natural to some people that they don't even realize they're doing something special. If you're over 65 and wondering about your cognitive health, take a look at these eight indicators. The more of these that come naturally to you, the better shape your brain is likely in."

"Well, if you're the one helping your friends figure out their devices, that's a powerful sign of cognitive flexibility. Learning new technology requires what neuroscientists call "cognitive plasticity" - your brain's ability to form new neural pathways. When this comes naturally to you, it means your brain is still actively creating connections, much like a younger brain would. I interviewed a 72-year-old woman last year who taught herself video editing during the pandemic to start a YouTube channel about gardening."

Recent University of California research found some people in their 70s and 80s maintain memory performance comparable to people 20–30 years younger. These 'super-agers' share specific habits and abilities that support preserved cognition. Patterns reported by neurologists and cognitive health experts indicate multiple natural behaviors correlate with exceptional brain health. Eight observable indicators help assess cognitive status in adults over 65. Examples include the ability to learn new technology without overwhelm, which reflects cognitive plasticity, and retaining conversations from days or weeks earlier. Spontaneous learning, cognitive flexibility, and willingness to engage unfamiliar systems appear central to sustained memory and neural connectivity.

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