Answer: Music
Clues: “Playing” and “Instrument”
A study found that as we age, musicians have an easier time following conversations in crowded restaurants. They think something about music training protects you from age-related brain decline.
In a Nutshell
- Study Finds: Older musicians show youth-like brain patterns when understanding speech in noisy settings.
- Why It Matters: Difficulty hearing in noise is a major challenge for aging adults. Musical training can actually help this problem for seniors.
- Key Takeaway: Lifelong practice builds “cognitive reserve” that appears to hold back age-related neural changes.
- Big Picture: While more research is needed, staying mentally and physically challenged could protect brain function as we age.