Roll a Saving Throw VS Old Age
As we age, our mental capacity reduces—this is well known. What is also well known is that with stimulation and creative thinking, it's been proven that cognitive decline can be reduced. With that, I propose that people should play Dungeons and Dragons!
Think of your brain as a fountain of youth. Aging is inevitable, but the cognitive decline often associated with it doesn't have to be. Studies highlight the remarkable power of mental stimulation in maintaining brain health. Just as physical exercise keeps our bodies fit, mental exercises nourish our brains, preserving their agility and resilience. As we age, it’s important to continue playing D&D, as it’s a positive use of cognitive exercises. The very thing doctors suggest we do to improve our brains is at the core of D&D. It is exactly the creative thinking process that can improve your mental health—the escape, the energy expended thinking your way out of the next encounter with a wererat or bugbear, to stay sharp and at the ready.
The science behind mental stimulation shows that it challenges our brains to form new neural connections. This adaptability allows our brains to learn new skills, process information more efficiently, and even compensate for age-related changes. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities strengthens existing connections and promotes the growth of new ones, ensuring a robust neural network that can better withstand the challenges of aging.
If you're not currently in a D&D group or campaign, or if you’ve been out of the tabletop gaming scene for a while, start by dusting off the Player’s Handbook for whatever edition you have, or take a look at the latest offerings from Giants of the North for new inspiration. Try rolling a new character—something you’ve never played before. It'll get you reading and thinking of new builds and mechanics. But honestly, stay away from Gnomes; no one should play as a Gnome.
The beauty of D&D’s mental stimulation lies in its diversity. There’s a wealth of mental activities at play, catering to all interests and skill levels in fun and engaging ways to challenge your mind with problem-solving and critical thinking. Playing tabletop games is all about learning, and that stimulates multiple areas of your brain, boosting its overall capacity.
Immerse yourself in old tomes, hidden treasures, or go looking up artifacts. Even activities that enhance vocabulary and comprehension—like the way people pronounce Drow, Elminster, Duergar—can contribute to mental growth.
The biggest benefits come when you exercise your brain, but they’re even better when you include social interaction. Engaging conversations, group activities, and even volunteering to host a group can improve social cognition and emotional well-being, both of which contribute to brain health.
The benefits of mental stimulation extend far beyond cognitive function. A stimulated mind is often associated with improved memory; regular mental exercise can enhance both short-term and long-term memory, allowing you to retain information more easily and recall it when needed—except when your DM asks you to do a grapple check!
Mental stimulation releases dopamine, although we all know that rolling 1's a few times in a row is devastating. You definitely should put that die in the freezer or exile it to a separate dice bag of shame so it doesn’t affect your other dice.
Other benefits include a positive outlook, reduced risk of depression, and increased confidence. Mastering new skills and tackling mental challenges fosters a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem.
Dungeons and Dragons can help delay cognitive decline, as numerous studies suggest that engaging in mental activities can delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's. So embrace a lifelong journey of leveling up! The key to maximizing the benefits of mental stimulation is to make it a lifelong habit. Play D&D as much as you can. Make time for your mental health, embrace a growth mindset, be curious, and continuously seek out new challenges. Your brain will thank you with a vibrant, agile mind that keeps you sharp and engaged throughout your life’s journey.
Remember, it’s never too late to make a new character, join a campaign, find like-minded people, and work together to keep your mind young and strong. D&D is like rolling a saving throw with Advantage—just don’t play as a Gnome.
Ross