5 Healthy Habits That May Help Keep the Brain Younger—Even With Chronic Pain
Living with chronic pain can affect far more than the body—it can also influence how the brain ages. Previous research has shown that chronic pain is often associated with accelerated brain aging, but a new study offers a more hopeful perspective.
A recent article from Medical News today featured Researchers at the University of Florida who examined brain aging in middle-aged and older adults, many of whom were living with chronic pain. Their findings suggest that healthy daily habits may help protect the brain, even in the presence of ongoing pain.
What Is “Brain Age”?
Brain age refers to how old the brain appears on MRI scans compared to a person’s actual age. In healthy aging, brain age typically aligns closely with chronological age. In some conditions, however, the brain may appear older than expected.
In this study, researchers analyzed MRI scans from more than 100 adults ages 45 to 85 over a two-year period. Participants were also evaluated for pain severity, lifestyle habits, and psychological well-being.
A Younger Brain—Despite Chronic Pain
The most compelling finding? Participants with healthier lifestyle behaviors had younger-appearing brains, even when chronic pain was present.
In some cases, individuals with strong “protective scores” showed brain ages up to eight years younger than their actual age. Meanwhile, those with fewer healthy habits tended to show accelerated brain aging.
The 5 Lifestyle Habits Linked to Brain Health
According to the researchers, the habits most strongly associated with a younger brain age included:
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Maintaining good sleep hygiene
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Supporting a healthy body weight
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Avoiding tobacco use
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Managing stress effectively
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Maintaining positive social connections
Importantly, these factors appeared to matter more than pain severity alone.
Why This Matters
Chronic pain is common—more than 24% of U.S. adults reported experiencing it in 2023. It’s also closely tied to poor sleep, elevated stress, and reduced quality of life, all of which can impact brain health over time.
This study reframes brain aging as a dynamic, responsive process influenced by everyday choices rather than an inevitable outcome of aging or chronic conditions.
As one neurologist noted, protecting brain health supports not just memory, but independence, adaptability, and overall quality of life.
A Wellness-First Perspective
At Blue Sky CBD, we believe long-term wellness is built through consistent, supportive habits—from better sleep routines to stress management and social connection. Research like this reinforces the importance of taking a whole-person approach to health, especially for those navigating chronic challenges.
