Link to an interesting, brief article, sent to me by a friend: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/ot...-AA1qJbei?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=a13242d
As a academic, I would obviously question biases of the study given who is sponsoring it, but I'm pretty sure there are many articles about that a healthy hobby is good for you. I think nmra says some health insurances give free nmra memberships to seniors, and these insurance companies have definitely done the math on the cost benefit analysis for them and believe the health benefits from models save them money!
I know for sure that it keeps me from going stir crazy when the weather is inclement enough to stay inside. It's also a very good way to disconnect from the rat race and other unpleasantness and just relax in a little bubble universe with the trains (hint: put that darn phone away too - those infernal devices are universe destroyers). Playing with trains (including operating) is a way to go back to a simpler time when one still had a sense of wonderment - and to keep that sense of wonderment alive. To keep that inner kid alive. Wouldn't have it any other way!
