Final answer:
Cognitive activities like reading, strategic games, and puzzles support brain health by maintaining and creating neural connections. Such mental engagement, analogous to physical exercise, helps delay cognitive decline and maintains crystallized intelligence with age. Reducing dependence on technology can also enhance mental capacity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maintaining mental function involves continuing cognitive activities such as reading, skill games, puzzles, learning new subjects, and problem solving. According to Laurence Katz, such activities can help the brain not only to maintain synaptic connections between nerve cells, but also aid in developing new neural connections. Cognitive exercises, including playing strategic games like chess or mahjong, engaging in crossword puzzles, and challenging oneself with Sudoku, contribute positively to mental agility. This is akin to the use of physical exercise for the body; regular mental activity is essential for nervous system health. Engaging in these activities exercises the brain and is comparable to working out our body to remain fit. This mental engagement helps in delaying the onset of cognitive decline associated with aging, especially in maintaining our crystallized intelligence as we grow older. Furthermore, incorporating activities that reduce reliance on technology for simple tasks encourages stronger mental capacity and contributes to lifelong cognitive health.