[stpapa]

> This means that pleasant puzzles like Sudoku are not enough to provide the benefits of superaging. Neither are the popular diversions of various “brain game” websites. You must expend enough effort that you feel some “yuck.” Do it till it hurts, and then a bit more.

This sounds a lot like software development. We are constantly on the edge of frustration.

Working on a complex problem can be at the same time exhausting and satisfying.

Is this not a perfect example?

[erikbye]

From what I've read, experienced, and observed, it would seem novelty is the crucial element in preserving and, even heightening, mental acuteness. Whether you are a programmer or a chess player; that alone might not be sufficient--you should always pursue novel activities. I tend to suggest music theory and learning to play an instrument.

Programming and software development need not be complex, and indeed a lot of programmers do not work on complex things, much of what they do is just routine, and that will not be enough stimuli for your brain.

[greenhatman]

I think continuously becoming a better programmer is probably a good way to go at this. If you can sprinkle in some traveling and learning another language or to while you're at it, that would perfect. And maybe learn a musical instrument as well.

That's my medium to long term plan, anyway.

[throwaway91111]

What does travel have to do with this? Seems awful expensive (for your wallet and the environment) and unrelated to health.

[shubb]

Just went on a trip with my recently retired father.

The effect of a total change of routine, new experiences and challenges, emotional experiences (stress, wonder, happiness), was huge.

It was the first time I saw him look alive in months.

In retirement, I think you cam get stuck in am easy, comfortable rut. As in working age life but more so. Travel to novel places, with novel people, doing novel things, can force you out of that rut. Probably worth remembering for younger rutters as well.

[erikbye]

There is so much novelty one encounters when traveling, on multiple levels. I definitely recommend everyone to travel and visit new places as much/often as possible, even in their own country.

Of course, I'm not talking about candy tripping in Ibiza.

[erikbye]

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/03/for-a-more...

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/18/travel-bro...

[blendo]

So far so good! (age 59 and still cursing bad code)

[a3n]

And I'm 59 and and still occasionally writing bad code.

[AznHisoka]

is it possible to expend some yuck without thinning my hairline and makinng me look old? :)

[maguirre]

in the same vein, could I get it done without going completely gray before 40

[a3n]

To you and your GP, reducing stress is a good goal, whether it specifically causes grey hair or not. Unless you're writing code to stop an imminent killer asteroid, most jobs and tasks are not important enough or urgent enough to make you feel bad. If you feel stressed, long term, de-stress your job or change it.

[EGreg]

There is some evidence for chronic stress causing premature achromotrichia,[24] but no definite link has been established. It is known that the stress hormone cortisol accumulates in human hair over time, but whether this has any effect on hair color has not yet been resolved.

(Wikipedia)