The surprising outdoor activity that is key to keeping your mind sharp… and it doesn’t involve exercise

Some people may play crossword puzzles or learn a new language to keep their brain sharp.

But it turns out that this outdoor activity can help you do the exact same – and no, it doesn’t require exercise. 

A study conducted by the University of Edinburgh found that out of hundreds of older adults, those that gardened proved to have better cognitive functions later on in life. 

This was determined by a long-term study that tracked the results of an intelligence test given to Edinburgh residents at age 11 and then again at age 79. 

According to the press release following the study, the questions required ‘verbal reasoning, spatial ability, and numerical analysis.’

The adults that listed gardening as a hobby showed a much better retention of cognitive ability than those who didn’t garden or even rarely gardened. 

While it’s true that this does not prove direct correlation, the study did make sure to take into account each person’s socioeconomic status, education, health, level of physical activity, and of course how they scored in regard to cognitive ability when they were children. 

‘Engaging in gardening projects, learning about plants, and general garden upkeep, involves complex cognitive processes such as memory and executive function,’ study author Janie Corley said in the press release. 

A study conducted by the University of Edinburgh found that out of hundreds of older adults, those that gardened proved to have better cognitive functions later on in life (stock image) 

‘Consistent with the “use it or lose it” framework of cognitive function, more engagement in gardening may be directly associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline.’ 

It makes sense when you think about the type of person that engages with gardening.

Gardening is a stress-relieving activity for most people who engage in it – so it makes sense that having a consistent activity for decompression would help someone retain their cognitive skills as they get older.

According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic stress can put you at risk of greater health issues.  

Plus, those who garden may have fresher, less-processed fruits and veggies that they’re incorporating into their diet – because who’s going to go out and buy overpriced tomatoes when you can just grow them in your own backyard?

And of course, having gardening as a hobby may mean that you have enough downtime to learn about and execute as a pastime – something not many people have. 

Finally, according to a separate study, those who garden are more likely to be getting consistent physical activity. 

Even if they’re not heading to the gym, odds are they’re constantly moving around to tend to their garden and maybe even lifting heavy (soil) bags.

Gardening is a great stress-reliever, and stress is known to cause long-term health problems (stock image)

And this is all only considering if they’re gardening on their own. 

For some of these adults, their only option for gardening may be some sort of community-wide gardening club or programming.

This itself has its own benefits, including continued social companionship.

Studies have shown that social activity helps avoid cognitive decline. 

Although gardening itself may just be a fun pastime for many people, the lifestyle implications that come along for it make for a great way to keep your brain health, especially as you get older. 

So while you may think your online word games are keeping your mind sharp, they might not be doing as much as you think.

And it might be time to put down the phone and pick up some fertilizer.