"And now for something completely different" Disengagement in retirement may be associated with greater cognitive decline.

[2greys]

Certain middle-aged and older adults, especially women who tend to disengage from difficult tasks and goals after they retire, may be at greater risk of cognitive decline as they age, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

"This study raises questions about how individual differences in motivation and gender may play a role in cognitive declines and points to the potential importance of continuing to engage in mentally stimulating activities in retirement," said lead author Jeremy Hamm, Ph.D., of North Dakota State University. "This may be a significant challenge for people who have a tendency to let go of goals when they encounter initial obstacles and setbacks."

soundhealthandlastingwealth...

[Tugun]

This is true scientifically and basic common sense. However it is not definitive. I have met people who never fully engage their brain with no significant cognitive decline and others who are switched-on, motivated and active yet experience significant decline. There is much more to it than this. Being physically and mentally active and motivated will improve your health and life but it will not prevent cognitive decline.

Today there are many experts who will give excellent advice on how to physically improve your health to prevent cognitive decline and it is not just being motivated and mentally active.

My mother had Alzheimer's. She was positive, social, definitely mentally active, walked for a least 45 minutes three times a week, bowled - yet she still got it. Did this halt it a little - who knows? However I do know that today I would try some of the ideas that are coming from doctors all over the world to rid her body of toxins and build her physical health. To me cognitive decline is physical not mental. I do know that being depressed, sudden trauma etc are not good physically for the body. However I would still work on building the health of the body up.

Forgive me for being blunt but doing mental tricks while the brain is decaying is not going to stop that decay.

[Jaybird19]

Nobody wants to reply to that.! Just too much to take in