Senior Journal, Aug. 18, 2005 – Senior citizens who become adept at using a computer appear to have fewer depressive symptoms than those older adults who aren’t so technologically connected.

That’s the finding of a research study, Depression and Social Support Among Older Adult Computer Users, presented August 18 at the 113th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association.

This content is brought by Staying Sharp, a partnership between NRTA: AARP's Educator Community and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives. 

We acquire knowledge, gain wisdom, and finely tune our skills as we age. But we may also come across incorrect information. You may have gathered some incorrect information about aging and the brain.

This page will help you dispel four common myths and find answers to your questions about how our brains age.

This content is brought by Staying Sharp, a partnership between NRTA: AARP's Educator Community and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives.

How Our Brains Improve With Age

Brain researchers have learned that our brains are just as capable of learning in the second half of life as in the first half. In addition, we've also learned more by this time, simply by growing older and having more time to learn.

So, in many ways, the brain is like a new wine, growing richer with each new season.

In fact, you might consider aging to be good news. Not only do we—and our brains—continue to learn, but we also acquire priceless wisdom.

This content is brought by Staying Sharp, a partnership between NRTA: AARP's Educator Community and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives presented on the AARP website.

Studies have shown that people who tend to age "successfully," share certain characteristics and activities that may help keep them sharp. These practices, some of which are listed below, may help prevent declines in cognition and memory.

Physical activity is strongly linked with lifelong brain health. Aerobic exercise in particular seems to sharpen memory skills.

Mental exercise, especially learning new things or pursuing activities that are intellectually stimulating, may strengthen brain cell networks and help preserve mental functions.

More formal education is associated with mental sharpness among older persons, possibly because continued learning creates a "neural reserve" of denser, stronger nerve-cell connections.