Some people take fistfuls of supplements. Others go to pricy gyms. Yet others spend hours getting personally curated longevity infusions. But what if the best longevity creators were actually paintbrushes, dancing shoes, or even a game controller?
Emerging science suggests that creativity may be one of the most powerful — and most overlooked — longevity brain changers we have.
A new study published in Nature suggests that people who regularly engage in creative activities have brains that appear years younger than expected.
And we’re not speaking metaphorically. We’re talking biologically. To boot, the more creatively engaged someone is, the stronger the effect.
Creativity is a Brain Changer
The researchers examined over 1,400 participants involved in creative pursuits like dance, music, visual art, and, yes, strategy-based gaming. Using EEG data combined with machine learning, they estimated each participant’s brain age gap, which is a measure of whether the brain is aging faster or slower than the calendar suggests.
The findings might surprise you. First, being creative, regardless of how, was linked to younger-looking brains. Second, greater expertise in your area of creativity was reflected in a greater brain-aging delay. However, lastly, even short-term creative learning improved brain efficiency and slowed biological aging.
In some cases, experts in activities like tango dancing, music, drawing, or real-time strategy gaming showed brains that appeared five to seven years younger than non-experts. Not creative…yet. Don’t despair. Even beginners who trained for a short time saw meaningful improvements. This isn’t about talent. It’s about engagement.
Creativity is to the Brain Like Exercise is to the Body
Frontoparietal networks are the systems of the brain responsible for attention, planning, coordination, problem-solving, and flexible thinking. They’re the networks that can weaken as we age. And they are exactly what are activated and strengthened by creativity.
When you are using your creativity, you are literally forcing your brain to learn something new, coordinate systems in the body at once, and adapt in the moment. You’re literally solving problems in real time without a script.
All that means that you are building your capacity, connectivity, and resilience, all the stuff of strong brain. At 100 Year Lifestyle we call that living at 100%
Neuroprotection, Not Entertainment
For many of us creativity is for our down time. It’s something we do when our work is done. But the fact is that creativity not only adds to quality of life in terms of enjoyment, it also is essential for both mental health and aging. And the best part is you don’t have to be born creative. It’s actually a muscle you can build.
By building that muscle, developing that brain age gap, you will reap the rewards of:
· Better attention and focus
· Faster processing speed
· Stronger executive function
· Greater adaptability under stress
Those are benefits you’ll feel all the time, whether what you’re doing is creative or not.
Get Started Getting Creative
We’re not talking about dropping your day job. It’s not necessary. What we are talking about is consistency. Whether dancing or drawing is your thing, 10 minutes a day will do it. You don’t need hours. If you don’t have a creative thing at the moment, that’s perfect.
Consistently explore your options until you hit on one or more creative outlets you love. When you do find something you love, practice and develop your skills. Remember, when it comes to creativity, expertise has its benefits.
Lastly, creativity isn’t a one and done. Protect your creative time. Creativity is essential, not optional.
Another Essential
Another essential in your long, healthy life should be the care you get from a 100 Year Lifestyle Provider near you. Make an appointment today!