“It is clear that the chief end of mathematical study must be to make the students think.”
— John Wesley Young, American mathematician.

Mathematics, often regarded as the language of the universe, holds a profound influence on our cognitive development.

Whilst most of us did wonder during our schooling years why we had to keep learning mathematics beyond its everyday uses, there is strong scientific evidence that maths has a positive effect on our brain. Beyond its practical applications, the process of learning maths exercises our brains in unique ways, improving critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and cognitive flexibility.

In Arvin Vohra’s book, ‘The Equation for Excellence: How to Make Your Child Excel in Math’, the author points out, in summary, that you don’t do maths because you are smart; you do math because it makes you smarter.

A study by The University of Oxford demonstrated that a lack of maths education negatively affects the brain and cognitive development in adolescents. It found that students who didn’t study maths had a lower amount of a crucial chemical for brain plasticity (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) in a key brain region involved in many important cognitive functions, including reasoning, problem solving, maths, memory and learning.

However, it is not just adolescents who benefit from mathematical learning. A study posted on the National Library of Medicine, on a randomized group seniors of showed that arithmetic training had a beneficial effect on maintaining and even improving the brain’s congnitive functions.

The process of engaging in mathematical thinking acts like strength training for the brain, analogous to how weightlifting builds physical muscles. Mathematical learning demands mental discipline and clarity of thought as the activity revolves around establishing connections and understanding patterns. The blend of concrete and abstract thinking required serves to strengthen the brain’s cognitive muscles, positioning mathematics as a catalyst for improving overall intelligence.

No matter if you’re young or old, doing math can keep your mind healthy and slow down how your brain ages. You can learn math in school, on the internet, or even just by using apps on your phone as part of your everyday life.

See also: Why Continuous Learning is so Important