Abstract: The aim of the current paper was to present important factors for keeping the basic
structures of a person’s brain function, i.e., the grey and white matter, intact. Several lines of evidence
have shown that motion, relation, and passion are central factors for preserving the neural system
in the grey and white matter during ageing. An active lifestyle has shown to contribute to the
development of the central nervous system and to contrast brain ageing. Interpersonal relationships,
and interactions, have shown to contribute to complex biological factors that benefit the cognitive
resilience to decline. Furthermore, the current scientific literature suggests that passion, strong
interest, could be the driving factor motivating individuals to learn new things, thus influencing the
development and maintenance of the neural functional network over time. The present theoretical
perspective paper aims to convey several key messages: (1) brain development is critically affected by
lifestyle; (2) physical training allows one to develop and maintain brain structures during ageing, and
may be one of the keys for good quality of life as an older person; (3) diverse stimuli are a key factor
in maintaining brain structures; (4) motion, relation, and passion are key elements for contrasting the
loss of the grey and white matter of the brain.
2Medical.News 