Chess games may help slow cognitive decline in older people

playing cards and board games regularly may help slow cognitive decline in older people, according to a new study in the UK.
study was published in the new issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Medicine. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in the UK selected more than 1,000 subjects born in 1936 and living in Scotland to assess their memory, problem-solving, speed of thinking and general thinking skills at the ages of 70, 73, 76 and 79. The researchers also looked at how often these people played cards, chess, crossword games, and so on in their 70s and 76s.
the researchers used statistical models to analyze the relationship between their game levels and thinking abilities, taking into account factors such as their educational status, socioeconomic status, gender, and cognitive ability test scores at age 11. It was found that the higher frequency of board games was associated with higher cognitive ability at the age of 70. From age 70 to age 79, the more games you play, the less cognitively you lose, especially your memory.
study also found that increasing the frequency of board games between the ages of 70 and 76 helped slow cognitive decline. This suggests that even if you don't play chess games much before, it can be beneficial to start playing in old age.
researchers say the study could help better understand which lifestyles and behaviors are associated with cognitive health improvements in older adults, and could also shed more inspiration on how people can better protect their cognitive abilities as they move into old age. (Source: Xinhua News Agency, Zhang Xiaoru)
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