Speaking two languages means constantly suppressing one, which trains the brain's control system. In some studies, lifelong bilinguals showed dementia symptoms about four years later than monolinguals. Evidence: decent It's one reason researchers talk about cognitive reserve.
That figure comes from people bilingual since childhood; the benefit of starting at forty is real but smaller and less studied. Still one of the more useful hard things to do with your head.
Same theme: Keeping the brain plastic
Keeping the brain plastic
Ask someone to explain their thing
Once a week, get someone to explain something from their world that you don't understand. Follow it properly. Ask the stupid question.
20 minEvidence: worth trying
Keeping the brain plastic
Assume you can get better at it
When you're bad at something, treat it as "not yet" rather than "not me".
no timeEvidence: worth trying
Keeping the brain plastic
Delete the brain-training app
If the goal is a sharper head, swap the app time for a real skill. The app makes you better at the app.
no timeEvidence: solid