According to research, pet owners seem to have a better sense of psychological well-being. They also have a longer life expectancy. Other studies have concluded that pet owners have lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, seem to have fewer chronic infections and fare better at handling stressful times. By constantly challenging your mind, you can slow or stop mental aging. Research done at University of South Florida showed that people with genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease were able to prevent or slow the effects of the disease by constantly challenging their brains.
Scientists believe mental exercise causes changes in brain tissue.
There are many ways to challenge your mind. You can read a book, take a class at a local university, take a cooking class, go to a museum - whatever strikes your curiosity. It decreases stress, relaxes us, enhances intimacy, and helps form the foundation of strong and supportive personal relationships.