Playing a musical instrument as a child can keep the mind sharp in old age.
Playing an instrument keeps the brain sharp in old age
Researchers studied over 400 older people - around 40 per cent of whom had learned how to play an instrument in their lifetime - and found that the musically gifted had superior thinking skills.
People who have experience playing an instrument performed better on tests of processing speed, meaning their brains worked more quickly, and did better on tasks combining visual and spatial abilities.
The study authors have concluded that learning to read music and mastering an instrument can enhance a person's cognitive abilities for the duration of their life.
Dr. Judith Okely, lead author of the research from Edinburgh Napier University, said: "We see these results as an exciting starting point for further investigation into how musical experience from across the life course might contribute to healthy ageing."