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Are you tired of crossword puzzles? Do you want to live longer? Of course, but not only do you want to extend your years on earth, you want to live well! Universally, living well means maintaining our ability to problem solve and make decisions about our own well-being, remaining adaptable, staying mentally engaged and doing whatever brings us joy.

We all know that eating wisely, drinking in moderation and exercising are part of the equation. But what about brain health? Research shows that our brains are amazingly adaptive and resilient if stretched and worked, much like our muscles. With regular mental stimulation, we develop new synapses, improving our “cognitive life expectancy” — how long we live with good versus declining brain health.

How is this done? It’s easier than you may think. You can improve your cognitive life expectancy by breaking out of your usual routine, remaining curious and engaging with new ideas, experiences, people and places. If you live in the Austin, or the greater Austin area, and are 50 or better you have access to a premier and nationally-recognized adult learning program right in the heart of the city on the edge of the UT campus.

UT isn’t just Orange and White. It’s also proudly sporting just a touch of gray. With the U.S. Census recently reporting that between 2010 and 2018 the Austin metro area had the fastest growing population in the 55-64 age bracket of all metro areas in the nation, the university’s lifelong learning program for people “50 and better” is positioned to fill a vital health component for Austin’s aging population.

The latest scientific studies confirm what doctors have observed in their patients. In addition to good nutrition and weekly physical exercise, a healthy lifestyle requires a program of continued mental activity such as the kind offered by the university’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Click below to read an article published by Quartz in July 2019: