Neither taking care of grandchildren nor walking: the best pastime for retirees to continue training their brains

As we age, we also experience a "natural" physical decline and progressive loss of cognitive acuity . Although it is a natural and irreversible process , it is equally true that we can do a lot to slow its progress and stay active and fit as long as possible.

On this point, experts agree that walking, for example, or practicing regular physical exercise adapted to each person's physical condition is an excellent idea, although more and more voices are advocating for a specific activity that can be done quietly at home, which fosters creativity, strengthens cognitive health , improves mood and also self-esteem in people over 65 years of age: we are talking about cooking.

Walking is good, but it's not enough.

Although in many cases people who are over 65 years old, and who are in the retirement stage, tend to spend a lot of their leisure time with their grandchildren , experts rule out this activity as something especially healthy and complete for cognitive improvement.

On the other hand, another typical retirement activity is taking long walks. This activity keeps the cardiovascular system in check , improves blood flow, reduces the risk of blood clots, helps maintain a healthy weight, combats a sedentary lifestyle , and strengthens leg muscles. However, it's not enough to boost self-esteem or foster creativity and challenge.

It's common for these people, once they've broken away from the daily routine of going to work, to feel a degree of social isolation , depression, a lack of energy and motivation... so cooking can become their greatest ally, allowing them to experiment with their senses and double their imagination, which boosts the brain's natural ability to solve problems and improve memory and resources.

The benefits of cooking for the brain

Neither walking nor caring for grandchildren , while beneficial and rewarding in many cases, are sufficient for adults over 65. However, cooking, not as the concept of always having to put a plate on the table and do the same thing every week, but as an exercise in absolute creativity , can become the most complete hobby, according to experts.

In addition to the physical ability to pay attention and focus all five senses on what we are doing, there is the added challenge of seeking out new experiences by combining flavors, working on creativity, and slowing the progression of cognitive decline .

Cooking is definitely a multisensory experience that involves imagination, exploration, techniques, the ability to constantly learn and improve , challenges, and constant inspiration. If practiced calmly, it can become a relaxing activity that enhances well-being and helps participants remember recipes, situations, and emotions surrounding food from the distant past.

Do you want to receive the best content to take care of your health and feel good? Sign up for our new newsletter .