The article mentions a report from the New England Journal of Medicine regarding the effects of recreational activities on mental acuity in aging. Here are a few excerpts:

“When it comes to improving your mental acuity…dancing integrates several brain functions at once, increasing connectivity. Dancing simultaneously involves kinesthetic, rational, musical and emotional processes.”

“In social dancing, the follow role automatically gains a benefit, by making hundreds of split-second decisions as to what to do next…with different dance partners, you have to adjust much more and be aware of more variables. This is great for staying smarter longer.”

“But men, you can also match her degree of decision-making if you … really notice your partner and what works best for her. Notice what is comfortable for her, where she is already going, which moves are successful with her and what aren’t, and constantly adapt your dancing to these observations.”

“Finally, remember that this study made another suggestion: do it often….If you can’t take classes or go out dancing four times a week, then dance as much as you can. More is better. And do it now, the sooner the better. It’s essential to start building your cognitive reserve now.”