Going to school may not only pay off in the heavy earning years of middle age, more education may deliver a better memory in retirement, too.

U.S. researchers analyzed data from 11,000 people participating in the annual Health and Retirement Study between 1993 to 2002. In 2002, 8.7 percent aged 70 or older had cognitive impairment, significantly lower than the 12.2 percent aged 70 or older in 1993. When looking at education levels, the 2002 more mentally agile group had an average of 12 years of education, one more year than the 1993 group with an average of 11 years. One negative, older adults with more education who developed cognitive problems were more likely to die within two years.

Other studies suggest mental challenge in younger years builds up your brain power, which can help you withstand brain injuries later, such as a mini-stroke. Researchers speculate those with more education develop different brain circuits to keep mental agility at a high level. Better cardiovascular health is also linked to brain health. In addition to working out your body, stick with those crossword puzzles. If you hate crosswords as much as I do, try sudoku.

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