Everyday Activities Beneficial for Brain Health Named 0 17

Not all sedentary activities affect the brain equally, researchers have found. Watching television was associated with worse memory and cognitive skills, while 'active sitting'—reading, card games, puzzles, or working on a computer—was linked to better brain health. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (JAD).

This conclusion was reached by an international group of scientists led by specialists from the University of Queensland. They analyzed data from over a million middle-aged and older individuals from 30 countries, comparing different types of sedentary activities with measures of memory, attention, and thinking.

The authors note that health recommendations usually advise simply to 'sit less,' without distinguishing between types of sedentary activity. However, the results show that it is important not only how much time a person spends sitting but also what they are doing during that time. Mentally engaging activities were associated with better preservation of memory, executive functions, and cognitive flexibility.

Researchers emphasize that this is not about replacing physical activity with sitting. Movement is still necessary for health. But during those hours when sitting is unavoidable, choosing more intellectually active pursuits—such as reading instead of watching television—may help maintain brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline with age.