It is too easy to focus on bad news and stressful events, especially in the era of “always on” social media. As an antidote, I would like to highlight three recent studies offering good suggestions on ways to improve one’s cognitive health, happiness, and longevity. Note that much of this research is still preliminary. But they are all actions anyone can pursue at home for zero or minimal cost.

1) Listen to more music

A recent study by Monash University student Emma Jaffa, Professor Joanne Ryan, and colleagues suggests that listening to music regularly was associated with a 39% decreased risk of dementia in people over age 70. Playing a musical instrument was associated with a 35% decreased risk of dementia. Doing both was associated with a 33% decreased risk of dementia. Their study

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