It’s never too soon to pick up a creative hobby, according to a new study by the Mayo Clinic. Painting, knitting, pottery, and woodworking are just a few of the artistic pastimes that can help protect the brain from deteriorating later in life, according to the Associated Press.

The study, which was published today in the official journal of the American Academy of Neurology, investigated many different factors that could positively affect cognitive function as the brain ages. Researchers monitored 256 participants with an average age of 85 over a period of four years. In addition to creative hobbies, the study also considered the effects of social activities – such as concerts, book clubs, and events with friends – as well as computer pastimes such as video games and online shopping.

All of the monitored activities helped to preserve cognitive function, but artistic hobbies were far and away the most effective. Researchers found that people who engaged in painting, drawing, sculpture, or similar activities – especially those who began earlier in middle age – were 73 percent less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than those who did not. The term “mild cognitive impairment” refers to a condition in which thinking and memory problems develop, but not enough to disrupt daily life. However, the condition can transform into more severe issues, such as dementia.

Crafty activities such as woodworking and pottery were also fairly effective at maintaining a healthy brain. Participants who engaged in these activities were 45 percent less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than those who did not. People who socialized in group activities in middle and old age were 55 percent less likely to develop problems with cognitive function than those who did not.

“There’s enough data here to suggest that being socially, mentally active — along with what we know from other research, physically active – probably does influence whether you’re going to get dementia down the line. And you can reduce your risk by being mentally and physically active,” said Dr. James Leverenz, a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

“Many investigators theorize that stimulating the brain through mental and physical activity increases growth factors that help brain cells function better and prevent them from dying,” added Leverenz.