June Brown is a researcher heading up a project to look at the future of senior
accommodation and health across the country for a growing senior health
site, which is part of the SeniorAdvisor national network of resources
for older adults.
While doing her research into the future of health for seniors, she noticed
that lack of physical exercise is increasingly becoming a problem for
many seniors in our nation. She prepared the following piece on the importance of physical exercise as we age.
"Avoid Brain Fog: Keep Minds Sharp with Physical Exercise as You Age
Physical activity helps keep your brain healthy, slowing down the effects of aging. We all know the benefits of exercise on the body including
weight control, prevention of cardiovascular diseases and strengthening
of muscles. What is also a remarkable benefit on top of these
physiological changes are its effects on the brain. The brain, composed
of neurons, is where all the actions happen. This is where all neural
activity is stored that is responsible for thought processes, cognition,
memory, perceptions, and sensations. Keeping it sharp and strong with
physical exercise benefits us as we age.
The Effects of Exercise on the Brain
Biological
effects happen when you exercise. As you exert yourself, your heart
rate increases to supply more blood and oxygen to your muscles. Your
brain also receives a bigger supply of blood, oxygen, and nutrients for
good health. The boost in supply assists in renewing brain cells which
help in learning. Simple physical exercises improve memory and
build neurons & connections. Physical activity triggers the release
of several neurotransmitters such as endorphins dopamine, serotonin,
GABA and glutamate. Some of these are known for their ability to improve
mood and prevent depression. As a result, you often feel much better
after physical activity.
Evidence Supporting the Link Between Exercise and Brain Health
A
variety of tests and studies has been undertaken to study the effect of
exercise on the brain. The University of Canberra studied the effects
of structured physical exercise on the brain of adults for four weeks.
After a variety of brain tests, researchers found evidence that aerobic exercise improved cognitive abilities such
as thinking, learning, and reasoning. Furthermore, muscle training by
carrying weights influences the brain’s memory and its executive
functions (planning and organization).
The
international collaboration between the University of Manchester and
Western Sydney University found out that aerobic exercise can enhance
memory function as we age. Researchers studied the effects of physical
activity on the hippocampus, the area of the brain where memory and
other functions such as spatial navigation and behavioral inhibition
occur. The final results suggested that while exercise has no effect on
the total hippocampus volume, it increased the left side significantly
among humans. Brain size shrinks by 5% every 10 years after age 40. Exercise is viewed as a maintenance activity for brain health to slow down its deterioration due to aging.
Time to get off the couch and go for a long walk.
Robert Tell, Author
www.RobertTell.Com
1 comment:
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