Your brain might be ageing at a completely different pace than the rest of you – and you've got more say in the matter than you'd think, scientists have revealed.
Researchers at the University of Florida have found that everyday habits like staying optimistic, getting decent sleep and keeping strong friendships are linked to healthier brains.
"These are things that people have some level of control over," said Jared Tanner, Ph.D., a research associate professor at the University of Florida.
"You can learn how to perceive stress differently. Poor sleep is very treatable. Optimism can be practised."
Managing stress and avoiding tobacco are essential for healthy ageing
|GETTY
The research team followed 128 adults over two years, with most participants dealing with chronic musculoskeletal pain connected to knee osteoarthritis.
To work out how old each person's brain really was, the scientists used MRI scans combined with machine learning technology.
This approach lets researchers compare someone's actual age with how their brain appeared on the scans – a measurement they call the brain age gap.
This makes it an effective way to get a single snapshot of overall brain health, rather than just looking at isolated regions.
The results were very positive for those who'd adopted the most protective habits.
People who ticked the most boxes for healthy behaviours started the study with brains looking a full eight years younger than their birth certificates suggested.
Even better, their brains continued ageing more slowly throughout the entire follow-up period.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
So what are the most protective factors?
The scientists explained that quality sleep, which actually leaves you feeling restored, maintaining a healthy body weight, managing stress effectively, steering clear of tobacco, and nurturing supportive relationships, all made the list.
Optimism featured prominently as well, and the researchers believe it's something everyone can work on.
Interestingly, while hardships like chronic pain and lower income initially showed links to older-appearing brains, these connections faded over time.
The protective behaviours didn't just help with brain health; they're also connected to less pain and better physical function overall.
"The message is consistent across our studies, health-promoting behaviours are not only associated with lower pain and better physical functioning, but they also appear to actually bolster health in an additive fashion at a meaningful level," said Kimberly Sibille, PhD, senior author of the report.
Healthy habits can help anyone extend their lifespan
|GETTY
The findings, published in Brain Communications, suggest these habits could benefit anyone, not just those living with chronic pain.
"Literally for every additional healthy promoting factor, there is some evidence of neurobiological benefit," Sibille added. "Our findings support the growing body of evidence that Lifestyle is medicine."
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter