Ageing with attitude: Keep your brain in tune by playing an instrument

You may never reach the heights of a professional performer, but learning to play a musical instrument in later life is a great mental workout, says Margaret Jennings.

THEY’VE survived the drink, drugs and rock’n’roll lifestyle and at an average age of 73 they are still prancing around like youngsters live on stage. What is the secret of the Rolling Stones’s stamina — and other musicians of their generation touring the world?

It may well be in the fantastic workout they are giving their brains by playing a musical instrument, which neuroscientists now say causes a symphony of “fireworks” incomparable to any other activity we do.