Exercise Your Brain, Your Body and Your Independence

No one needs to tell older adults that exercise is good for the body. According to health statistics, Seniors have increased their physical activity rate more than 30% in the last two decades.

Seniors know physical activity helps their muscles and bones, improves balance and coordination, makes their hearts healthier and combats disease.

But, what about brain health? As researchers have begun to focus more on the cognitive benefits of exercise, studies are showing that physical activity results in amazing benefits to the Senior brain. And, improved cognitive ability combats the number one fear of older adults: the loss of their independence due to their inability to think and make decisions for themselves.

New neuroscience research is demonstrating that exercise is one of the most transformative things you can do to improve your brain. Better learning, thinking, memory and focus all help Seniors become smarter, live longer and stay in control of their own lives.

Here’s how exercise boosts your brain health:

New Brain Cells. Exercise actually promotes the growth of new brain cells. One of the most significant

Exercise Your Brain, Your Body and Your Independence benefits of exercise, is the promotion of “neurogenesis,” or the creation of new brain cells. It also improves the functioning of the synapses (the space between neurons) and this allows brain cells to communicate better.

Less Anxiety, Depression and Social Isolation.

Studies show that every time you move your body, beneficial neurotransmitters- including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin - are released into your brain. A study conducted during the Covid pandemic – when senior fitness centers were forced to shut down – tracked Seniors participating in online fitness programs, instead of in-person classes. While the typical physical benefits were shown, participants overwhelmingly reported social isolation and depression. More Focus. Exercise improves focus and concentration. Researchers have found that a single workout improves the ability of Seniors to shift and focus attention. Improved reaction time helps with avoiding slips, trips and falls and may help keep you out of your next fender bender. Bigger Brain. Exercise can help protect your brain against Dementia

and Alzheimer’s Disease.

The brain is like a muscle, and it gets bigger and stronger the more you exercise it. Studies show the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (which are susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases) can better protect themselves.

How much exercise do you need to super charge your brain? First a side note, exercise does not have to be a drudgery! Walking together, doing low-impact chair exercise classes (aerobic exercise provides even more benefits because it gets your heart pumping and more oxygen circulating throughout your body), line dancing, playing a group sport, such as Pickleball, all boost your brain. You can do three to four 30-minute workouts per week that are fun and give your brain a decent work out.

Senior Centers are a good place to start getting your brain in shape, where you can be among your peers, and classes are geared toward older adults. You will also experience a camaraderie among others that feel strongly about staying in control of their own lives.

So…get moving, build your brain and help ensure you can maintain your independence. ~

Editor’s Note: This article is courtesy of the Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center, located in Midtown. The Via Center is a community center that provides health, fitness, and enrichment programs for active, older adults. See ad below.