Learning multiple new skills can produce test scores on certain cognitive tests similar to adults decades younger, challenging assumptions about inevitable cognitive decline. Building muscle strength to boost brain health through exercise also supports cognitive function, but learning new skills may offer additional benefits through neuroplasticity.
A study from UC Riverside found that older adults (ages 58-86) who learned three or more new skills simultaneously for three months showed cognitive improvements comparable to middle-aged adults about 30 years younger. These gains were maintained or increased up to one year after the intervention ended, suggesting that intensive learning can produce lasting cognitive benefits.
How learning multiple skills simultaneously improves cognition
Learning multiple new skills at once appears more effective than learning one skill at a time or engaging in familiar activities. The UC Riverside research involved two separate studies where participants (ages 58-86) took three to five classes simultaneously, such as Spanish, iPad use, painting, music composition, and photography, for about 15 hours per week over three months.
By the midpoint of the program (approximately 6 weeks in the 12-week version), participants showed significant improvements in working memory, cognitive control (attention, task switching, inhibition), and episodic memory. Their performance reached levels similar to a control group of middle-aged adults about 30 years younger.
Study 1 utilized a no-contact control group, while Study 2 used a baseline assessment 4-6 weeks prior to the intervention (with participants serving as their own control). Both studies demonstrated that the intensive learning environment produced gains not seen in those who did not participate.
The gains were not temporary. Follow-up assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months after the intervention ended showed that many improvements were maintained or even increased over time.
Why novel, challenging learning matters
Not all learning produces the same cognitive benefits. Research comparing novel skill learning to less demanding activities found that only those learning new, challenging skills showed significant improvements. In one study, older adults learning demanding new skills (digital photography, quilting) improved memory after three months, while those doing less demanding mental tasks like puzzles or listening to music did not.
The key factors appear to be novelty, complexity, and cognitive challenge. Skills that are new and unfamiliar, require memory, attention, and problem-solving, and provide sufficient challenge yield stronger effects than familiar or routine tasks. Learning multiple skills simultaneously may also increase the breadth of cognitive transfer, improving abilities beyond the specific skills learned.
Neuroplasticity and brain structure changes
Learning new skills stimulates neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. Research shows that cognitive training can lead to measurable changes in brain structure and function, including preserved gray matter volume and improved white matter integrity.
A large multisite study found that adaptive computerized cognitive training over 10 weeks improved cognition and maintained brain structure in older adults. Participants showed no loss in caudate nucleus volume and preserved white matter integrity in areas relevant for cognitive control. These structural markers typically decline with aging, so preserving them suggests that learning can slow or partly reverse age-related brain atrophy. Note that this study included researchers associated with Posit Science, the developer of the training software used.
What types of learning are most effective
Research suggests several features make learning interventions more effective for cognitive benefits. Novelty is crucial: skills that are new and unfamiliar yield stronger effects than familiar tasks. Complexity and challenge matter: tasks that combine cognitive demands (memory, inhibition, problem-solving) produce better outcomes.
Multi-skill learning appears more beneficial than focusing on one skill alone. Frequency and duration also matter: interventions lasting several months with regular engagement (weekly or more) show more durable gains. Supportive learning environments with encouragement, feedback, and tolerance for errors may also amplify effects.
Limitations and what we don’t know yet
While research shows promising cognitive benefits from learning new skills, several limitations remain. Sample sizes in many studies are relatively small, which limits generalizability. Separating which components of interventions drive effects (novelty, social engagement, intensity) is still being explored.
Long-term follow-up beyond one year is limited, so the durability of gains over longer periods remains uncertain. Translating cognitive test improvements into daily life functional outcomes (managing technology, coping with new environments) is less studied, though some promising work exists.
The comparison to “30 years younger” is specific to certain cognitive test scores in the UC Riverside research. Other studies show more focused effects, such as brain chemistry improvements equivalent to about 10 years younger in specific signaling systems. The magnitude of benefits varies based on individual factors, baseline cognitive function, and the specific learning activities chosen.
What you can do about it
If you’re interested in using learning to support cognitive health, choose new, mentally demanding skills that combine memory, attention, and problem-solving. Consider learning multiple skills simultaneously rather than focusing on one skill alone. Examples include learning a new language, musical instrument, technology tools, or creative skills like photography or painting.
Aim for regular, sustained practice: multiple hours per week over several months appears more effective than sporadic engagement. Seek supportive learning environments with encouragement, feedback, and openness to errors. Social interaction may also amplify effects, so consider learning in groups or sharing progress with peers.
Remember that lifelong learning is beneficial regardless of prior education. Even adults without high formal education show cognitive gains when engaging in challenging learning activities later in life.
Sources and related information
PMC – Intensive multi-skill learning improves cognition in older adults – 2023
A peer-reviewed study from UC Riverside found that older adults learning three or more new skills simultaneously for three months showed cognitive performance similar to middle-aged adults about 30 years younger on specific tests. Participants (ages 58-86) took classes in skills like Spanish, iPad use, painting, music composition, and photography. By the program’s midpoint, they showed significant improvements in memory and cognitive control, with gains maintained up to one year later.
UC Riverside News – Cognitive gains maintained long-term – 2023
Follow-up research showed that cognitive improvements from intensive multi-skill learning were maintained or even increased at 3, 6, and 12 months after the intervention ended. The study suggests that older adults can achieve cognitive performance similar to undergraduate students when engaged in intensive learning environments with supportive instruction and growth mindset.
Psychological Science – Novel skill learning improves memory – 2014
A randomized trial found that older adults learning demanding new skills (digital photography, quilting) showed significant memory improvements after three months, while those doing less demanding mental tasks did not. The study highlights the importance of novelty and cognitive challenge for cognitive benefits.
PubMed – Cognitive training maintains brain structure – 2024
A large multisite study found that adaptive computerized cognitive training over 10 weeks improved cognition and maintained brain structure in older adults. Participants showed no loss in caudate nucleus volume and preserved white matter integrity. Disclosures noted that some researchers were employees of the company that developed the training software.
ScienceDaily – Online brain training reverses 10 years of aging – 2025
A study from McGill University found that 10 weeks of digital brain training restored cholinergic function in older adults to levels typically seen in someone 10 years younger. Cholinergic health is closely tied to attention, memory, and learning.
PubMed – Lifelong learning buffers cognitive decline – 2025
A longitudinal analysis using U.S. Health and Retirement Study data found that older adults who engaged in educational or training activities at least monthly had consistently higher cognitive scores over a 6-year follow-up than those who never did, regardless of baseline education or ethnicity. Later-life learning appeared to buffer cognitive decline.
