While an afternoon spent catching up on cheesy rom coms is certainly not as harmful to your health as a diet of energy drinks and cigarettes, according to the University of South Australia (UniSA), trading screen time for a good book or a mentally stimulating activity could significantly reduce your risk of dementia.
Their recent study assessed the daily activity patterns of 397 older adults (aged 60+) and revealed that not all sitting activities are created equal. While sedentary behaviours like reading, listening to music, or even crafting sharpen your mind, watching TV or gaming may leave your cognitive function in the dust.
Why TV falls flat for brain health
‘Tis the season of festive indulgence, family catch-ups, and long-awaited downtime. However, as you settle into your comfiest chair, remote in one hand and a box of candy canes in the other, consider this: that TV binge might be doing more than dulling your boredom – it could be quietly chipping away at your brain health.
TV might feel like an easy way to unwind, but the passive nature of watching doesn’t do much for your brain. Unlike reading or chatting with friends, which demand mental engagement and social interaction, watching TV is a more one-sided affair. It’s like feeding your brain junk food – it fills the time but doesn’t nourish you.
Dr Maddison Mellow, a UniSA researcher, explains, “We found that sedentary behaviours which promote mental stimulation or social engagement – such as reading or talking with friends – are beneficial for cognitive function, whereas others like watching TV or gaming have a negative effect.”
And the stakes are high: dementia affects over 411,000 Australians, with women bearing the brunt of the statistics. Globally, more than 55 million people live with the condition, a number that’s growing by nearly 10 million each year. The good news? A staggering 45% of dementia cases are linked to modifiable lifestyle factors – things you can actively change.
Your brain’s holiday wish list
Before you swear off Christmas movie marathons altogether, there’s hope for balance. Dr Mellow suggests a simple strategy: swap out some of your screen time for activities that challenge your brain or boost social interaction. Love movies? Watch one, then spend five minutes chatting with family about its plot twists or go for a quick walk around the block. Can’t part with Modern Family reruns? Break them up with a chapter or two from your favourite book.
Even small changes can have a big impact. The research team emphasizes that the “move more, sit less” mantra still holds true – physical activity is a brain health superhero. But if moving isn’t always possible, a more nuanced approach to sedentary activities can still help.
Holiday reading: The gift that keeps on giving
So, as the season of relaxation rolls on, let’s rethink how we unwind. Trade mindless TV marathons for something more stimulating – a puzzle, a craft project, or a juicy novel. Your brain will thank you.
In the end, it’s all about balance. Enjoy your downtime, but remember that what you choose to do with it could have long-term implications for your cognitive health. After all, a healthy mind is the greatest gift of all – no wrapping required.
