A new study shows leisure activities that use your mind, rather than letting it coast, keep it sharper as you get older. The authors, from University College London, found an association between the mental agility of a group of civil servants, and the amount of time they spent on leisure activities that are complex or involve socialising with others.

They found that those who visit galleries, stately homes, live music events and even the cinema are particularly acute when tested for short-term memory and verbal and number skills.

The study of 10,308 civil servants, which has run since 1985, suggests you should avoid gardening or decorating. They do little to foster brainpower. The benefits of going to the pub are debatable, too: it seems to do little to improve memory but improves mathematical and verbal reasoning. Women in particular seem to benefit.

The findings support the theory of neuronal plasticity — that well-used brain cells can create new interconnections into old age. This research is the first to indicate that the benefits of engaging in complex and sociable leisure activities start in middle age.

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