If you’d like to do your brain a favor, take up one of these hobbies...

You’ve undoubtedly heard that learning a second language can do wonders for your brain. 

If you don’t have the time or inclination to parler français or hablar español, get a camera instead. Cognitive studies by the Center for Vital Longevity at the University of Texas have found that learning certain activities can have a really positive impact on cognitive function. They had groups of 60 to 90 year old participants partake in a number of activities from word games and puzzles to quilting and photography. The groups which took up quilting and photography wound up with the highest scores on cognitive tests at the end of the study.

The researchers determined that learning a new skill that is challenging, yet not frustrating, is the key. Both quilting and photography required sustained focus with very little frustration and provided tangible and lasting satisfaction. Those who fooled around with word games and puzzles also improved their scores, but not nearly as much as the quilters and photographers.