Study Suggests Brain Sharpness Can Improve at Any Age
Health
June 16, 2026

Study Suggests Brain Sharpness Can Improve at Any Age

136 words · ~1 min read
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B1 Pre-Intermediate
0:000:51

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A new study with almost 4,000 people shows that the human brain can stay flexible throughout life, not just in childhood. The research followed adults from 19 to 94 years old for three years to watch changes in their thinking skills. Many learners worry about memory or focus as they get older, but this study suggests it may be possible to keep or even improve mental abilities at any age.

The results show that learning new things and trying new activities are very important for brain health. Solving new problems or learning a language can help make the brain work better and stay active.

Scientists call this brain flexibility 'neural plasticity,' and the study suggests it continues into old age. Regular learning and mental activity may help all ages keep strong thinking skills in the future.

Vocabulary

6 words
Accent
flexibleADJ/ˈflɛksɪbəl/

Able to change or adjust easily; adaptable.

abilitiesN/əˈbɪlɪtiz/

Skills or powers to do something well.

mentalADJ/ˈmɛntəl/

Related to the mind or thinking processes.

plasticityN/plæˈstɪsɪti/

Ability to change and adapt over time.

activitiesN/ækˈtɪvɪtiz/

Things you do for a purpose.

scientistsN/ˈsaɪəntɪsts/

People who study science and discover knowledge.

Ready to learn these 6 words?

About 8 minutes · 5 activities

Reading Quizzes

9 questions
Question 1 of 9
1 / 9

What age range did the study include?

Choose an answer to continue

Great for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, IB, A-Level and everyday English speaking practice.

Speaking Tasks

5 questions

Study Suggests Brain Sharpness Can Improve at Any Age

June 16, 2026~1 min read
Not sure? Take the level test →
B1 Pre-Intermediate
0:000:51

Follow spoken words in real time.

A new study with almost 4,000 people shows that the human brain can stay flexible throughout life, not just in childhood. The research followed adults from 19 to 94 years old for three years to watch changes in their thinking skills. Many learners worry about memory or focus as they get older, but this study suggests it may be possible to keep or even improve mental abilities at any age.

The results show that learning new things and trying new activities are very important for brain health. Solving new problems or learning a language can help make the brain work better and stay active.

Scientists call this brain flexibility 'neural plasticity,' and the study suggests it continues into old age. Regular learning and mental activity may help all ages keep strong thinking skills in the future.

Vocabulary

6 words
Accent
flexibleADJ/ˈflɛksɪbəl/

Able to change or adjust easily; adaptable.

abilitiesN/əˈbɪlɪtiz/

Skills or powers to do something well.

mentalADJ/ˈmɛntəl/

Related to the mind or thinking processes.

plasticityN/plæˈstɪsɪti/

Ability to change and adapt over time.

activitiesN/ækˈtɪvɪtiz/

Things you do for a purpose.

scientistsN/ˈsaɪəntɪsts/

People who study science and discover knowledge.

Ready to learn these 6 words?

About 8 minutes · 5 activities

Reading Quizzes

9 questions
Question 1 of 9
1 / 9

What age range did the study include?

Choose an answer to continue

Great for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, IB, A-Level and everyday English speaking practice.

Speaking Tasks

5 questions