Doctors often advise exercising your brain to stay sharp but stretching your brain might be the better description. Research increasingly shows a variety of habits and hobbies offer a helpful cognitive workout. One recent study linked lifelong learning — things like reading, learning another language, playing chess — to slower cognitive decline, even postponing Alzheimer's for a few years. It's not proof. But experts say lifestyle changes that also include physical exercise, controlling blood pressure, good sleep and even a shingles vaccination offer a chance at slowing deterioration as we get older.