However, less demanding activities, such as listening to classical music or completing word puzzles, probably won't bring noticeable benefits to an ageing mind, scientists said.
"It seems it is not enough just to get out and do something - it is important to get out and do something that is unfamiliar and mentally challenging, and that provides broad stimulation mentally and socially," said psychological scientist and lead researcher Denise Park of the University of Texas at Dallas.
"When you are inside your comfort zone you may be outside of the enhancement zone," Park said.
Some participants were assigned to learn a new skill - digital photography, quilting, or both - which required active engagement and tapped working memory, long-term memory and other high-level cognitive processes.
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Other participants were instructed to engage in more familiar activities at home, such as listening to classical music and completing word puzzles.
And, to account for the possible influence of social contact, some participants were assigned to a social group that included social interactions, field trips, and entertainment.
Researchers now plan on following up with the participants one year and five years down the road to see if the effects remain over the long term.
"This is speculation, but what if challenging mental activity slows the rate at which the brain ages? Every year that you save could be an added year of high quality life and independence," Park said.