The headline reads: ".. going to the pub good for the brain". In the way of headlines. Go to the news article it's quoting and you see the headline is "Gardening turns us into vegetables". Which is cute, if not precisely accurate. And the BBC do worst of all with their "Brain benefits of a quick pint". But though the reporting may, as usual, be going for the cute and the catchy, the study being reported is the latest of several studies indicating that various leisure activities are of value to cognition. But do note that the bit about the pub is referring to the social engagement - talking to people - not the value of nursing a solitary pint! and that a number of activities were more useful than going to the pub! Moreover, while it is clear now that there is an association between engagement in various social and intellectual activities and cognitive function (at least in middle and older age), it is not yet clear that such activities improve cognitive function. On the other hand, from the purely personal point of view, if you are concerned about being in a mental rut, it does seem that your best approach is to take up such activities.