Is TV turning DEADLY for seniors?
Remember when your mother nagged you by saying…
“That TV will rot your brain!”
Well, it turns out that mom may have been onto something!
Because according to research, zoning out on the television could cause some serious damage to this vital organ later in life.
Before you pull the plug on your TV, here’s everything you need to know.
According to a study presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Conference, watching more TV each day throughout adulthood and middle age can age your brain faster and put you at greater risk for cognitive decline later in life—including dementia!
The connection between TV and your brain all has to do with something called gray matter.
Grey matter is the darker tissue of the brain and spinal cord that helps coordinate your muscle control, seeing, hearing, decision-making, and other vital brain functions.
Folks that have ‘higher’ levels of gray matter typically have better overall cognitive skills. Studies have found that a sedentary lifestyle (including extensive TV watching) can lead to a decrease in grey matter.
The study found that TV essentially “accelerates” the mental aging process by gradually lowering grey matter over time.
The key takeaway here is to focus on balancing your TV watching with other, more stimulating activities that are good for your brain health.
And the good news is, it’s never too late to start.
So, for instance, instead of binge-watching your favorite TV show before you go to sleep, consider reading a book or magazine.
Reading is one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp. In fact, studies have found that seniors who read every day maintain and even IMPROVE overall cognitive function.
Just carving out 30 minutes of “quiet” reading time is all you need to help keep your brain in tip-top shape (and you can still make time for a little TV!).
To a healthy mind,
Sarah Reagan
Sources:
Study Finds. “Too much TV during midlife can put your brain at risk for dementia later on.” https://studyfinds.org/too-much-tv-brain-dementia-risk/
Stanborough, Joy. “Benefits of Reading Books: How It Can Positively Affect Your Life.” https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books
