Don't just sit there, do something

The study examined the impact of passive and active sedentary activities on cognitive function in more than one million middle-aged and older adults from 30 countries.

“Total sitting time has been shown to be related to brain health,’’ Dr Gardiner said. “However, sitting is often treated as a single entity, without considering the specific type of activity.

“Most people spend many hours sitting each day, so the type of sitting really matters.

“Mentally active sedentary activities include reading, playing card games and puzzles, computer use, and driving, and relate to positive cognitive outcomes, particularly in preserving executive function, memory, and cognitive flexibility.

“These findings show that small everyday choices – like reading instead of watching television – may help keep your brain healthier as you age.’’

Researcher, Cynthia Chen, who led the study, said the findings did not suggest people spend more time sitting, but to consider what they are doing while they are sitting.

“We know that staying physically active is still essential for overall health,’’ Ms Chen said.

“But when we do spend time sitting, choosing activities that stimulate the mind may offer extra protection for our brain.’’

Ms Chen said the study was particularly relevant as the global population ages.

“Cognitive abilities often decline with ageing and sedentary time is highly prevalent among older adults,’’ she said.

“Dementia is the seventh leading cause of death globally and one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide.” 

Ms Chen said the research indicated that activities requiring active thinking, problem solving, and continuous learning could mitigate cognitive decline.

The research, conducted in collaboration with Western University in Canada, Lung Foundation Australia, and Griffith University, has been published in Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.