Do you ever think you’re too old to exercise? Think again.
Seven Perth recent reported on a program for the elderly that combines physical workouts with computer based mental training.
Over 600 people were involved in testing the new program. What did they find?
“After the first few weeks, the feedback we got was fantastic,” said Nathan Trengrave, from the Council of the Ageing. “They were starting to remember shopping lists a little bit better, and a lot of people that were shopping on the internet didn’t have to get their credit card out to type in the number because they were able to remember it.”
There is physical fitness. And there is mental fitness. Both are important, especially as you get older.
Physical exercise helps keep the body in condition. And it’s not just improved muscle tone and strength. Exercise opens the capillaries and delivers health-giving nutrients to all areas of the body, from the eyes to the brain, and from the digestive system to the back and spinal cord.
The result is better appetite, more stamina, better digestion and less pain.
Alzheimers Australia says the findings are significant. “What it says to us is that just like physical fitness, you should stay mentally engaged and there’s research out there that says that if you’re going to do that, then longer term, that’s going to reduce the liklihood of you experiencing cognitive decline over time.”
It’s never too late to exercise your body or your mind. And both are important.
For a long healthy life with a clear mind you should do one activity each day the stimulates your muscles, heart and circulation. And you should do another one that stimulates your mind, thought processes and memory.
http://www.7perth.com.au/view/today-tonight-articles/brain-training_20091218181919/
