A study published in BMC Geriatrics has found that household chores may be good for the brain health of older adults. The researchers examined the links between household chores, brain volume and cognition in a group of 66 older adults. The study participants attended three assessments and were asked about how much time they spend doing chores. Those who spent more time engaging in household activities had greater brain volume. This could mean that household chores have a similar effect on the heart and blood vessels as low-intensity aerobic exercise. It could also mean that chores promote the formation of new neural connections over time, even as we get older. These findings may also motivate them to be more active, since household chores are a natural and often necessary aspect of many people's daily lives, Dr. Nicole Anderson, Senior Author of the study.