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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 Nonsmokers were nearly twice as likely to stay sharp as those who smoke.
And seniors still working or volunteering were 24 percent more likely to maintain cognitive function, as were people who didn't live alone.
"To this day, the majority of past research has focused on factors that put people at greater risk to lose their cognitive skills over time, but much less is known about what factors help people maintain their skills," Fiocco said.
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Hypertension and diabetes showed little impact on cognitive skills.
Dr. John Hart Jr., a professor of behavioral and brain sciences and neurology at the University of Texas at Dallas, said patients often come in wanting to know exactly what they need to do to avoid the problems associated with aging.
No one really knows precisely what that prescription is, Hart said. But studies such as this shed light on some of the lifestyle factors that separate those who are experiencing healthy aging and those who aren't.
"These are exciting studies that are getting us closer and closer to finding out what you need to do for a healthy old age," he said.
For people looking to improve their cognitive condition, Hart said there is no one product on the market or type of mental exercise that has been shown to be beneficial above the others.
Instead, take up a different activity, volunteer, try new things to challenge your brain, he suggested.
"It always comes back to eat healthy, exercise, take care of yourself," Hart said. "Stay physically and mentally active, and you will increase your chances of successful aging."
More information
For more on healthy aging, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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