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Cardio in Old Age May Boost Brain Health

  • January 16, 2017

If you want to keep your brain healthy as you age, it’s a good idea to keep your body and heart healthy too, according to research published in the journal Cortex and reported by PsychCentral. It showed that engaging in high levels of cardiovascular exercise such as jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing resulted in better performance on memory tests for older adults.

Ninety-three percent of Americans believe maintaining brain health is very or extremely important, according to an AARP survey; however, few are aware of the many holistic approaches available to do so. These approaches include both physical and nutritional strategies.

Physical activity produces biochemical changes that strengthen and renew not only your body but also your brain — particularly areas associated with memory and learning. The good news is you can begin an exercise program no matter your current fitness level. Workouts using nothing but your own body weight are an efficient way to get fit. You can even fulfill the requirements for a high intensity exercise using nothing more than your own body weight, a chair and a wall

To get the most out of your workouts, I recommend a comprehensive program that includes Peak Fitness high-intensity exercise, strength training, stretching and core work. Non-exercise activity and movement are also important. Simply standing up a minimum of 30 times a day is a powerful antidote to long periods of sitting and is more effective than walking. The good news is that there are virtually unlimited opportunities for movement throughout the day, from doing housework or gardening, to cooking and even just standing up every 10 minutes.