The evidence suggests that tasks or activities that present more varied challenges, requiring more nimble thinking and processing, are more productive at building and maintaining cognitive reserve.

we can improve at least some of the components that make up our intelligence. Memory, creativity, mental agility (our ability to respond quickly or “connect the dots”) all can be improved with a bigger brain.

If you really don’t want to dance, yoga or tai chi, which also incorporate multiple levels of brain-protective activity, work, too.