A long and healthy life isn't just about exercise and a balanced diet. The brain also needs to stay active, and new research points to a surprising activity that can make a difference.
The best part is that this activity requires neither expensive equipment nor a gym membership.
According to BBC, several studies suggest that birdwatching can have a positive impact on memory, concentration, and brain aging.
Researchers made surprising discovery
Researchers from the Baycrest Academy in Canada studied the brains of experienced birdwatchers and compared the results with individuals without similar experience.
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Using brain scans, the researchers discovered differences in areas that control attention and visual recognition, among other functions.
In experienced birdwatchers, specific brain regions were better organized than in age-matched beginners.
This may indicate that the activity helps preserve some brain functions through aging.
However, the researchers emphasize that the results do not yet prove that birdwatching directly slows brain aging.
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Positive results after just a few weeks
Birds have also been shown to make a difference in nursing homes.
In Germany, researchers investigated the effect of setting up bird feeders outside 65 nursing homes, allowing residents to observe birdlife through their windows.
After just three to four weeks, improvements were observed in concentration, memory, and social contact, among other areas.
These results have led German health insurance companies to support similar initiatives in more than 400 nursing homes in Bavaria.
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Birdwatching is also used as an activity for people with dementia in countries including the UK and the USA.
According to the researchers, the combination of nature, curiosity, and social interaction may be an important part of the explanation.
And it doesn't necessarily require a trip to the forest.
Even a glance at the birds outside the window can be a good start.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.