In a study of 5925 women aged 65 or older, researchers found that women with high levels of physical activity were less likely to experience cognitive decline over a 6- to 8-year period.
Another study showed that men who walked less than a mile a day had a 71% greater risk for dementia than men who walked 2 miles or more daily. Studies have also shown that people over the age of 65 who exercise regularly have a lower risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
These studies make a lot of sense. When you are exercising you are using more than just your body. You mind must make hundreds of decisions based on balance, perception and memory; these decision help keep your brain functioning well. Even a seemingly simple activity like walking can lead to hundreds of stimuli for the brain. Things you see as you walk may trigger memories. You will feel sunshine and wind on your skin. You will see what changes on your route each day.
So keep doing the crosswords but be sure to get out and exercise too for your physical and mental health.
More on Exercise:
Make Exercise Fun
Hidden Benefits of Exercise
Want Better Sex? Exercise.
Mental Fitness and Exercise
Your Immune System and Exercise
Learn to Love Exercise
Your Balance and Exercise
Get More Energy by Exercising
Increase Your Life Expectancy With Exercise
Strong Bones and Exercise
Your Social Life and Exercise
Improve Your Mood With Exercise
Sources:
ADAM Medical Encyclopedia. Report on Exercise
Yaffe K, Barnes D, Nevitt M, Lui LY, Covinsky K. A prospective study of physical activity and cognitive decline in elderly women: women who walk. Arch Intern Med. 2001 Jul 23;161(14):1703-8.
