Intellectual Stimulation Slows Aging Process

When our brains aren't stimulated, i.e., when we are bored, it often feels like time slows down; however, recent studies with dogs suggest that lack of mental stimulation actually speeds up the aging process.

From the New York Times (registration required):

Old beagles, like old humans, act younger and smarter when they get the right diet and plenty of intellectual stimulation. A report published in the January issue of Neurobiology of Aging found that a diet rich in antioxidants combined with a stimulating environment slowed the canine aging process.

So now if one of your students complains that math is too difficult, you can tell them that doing math problems (and eating healthy) just might make them live longer.