A Fit Body Equals A Fit Mind: Study
Reported January 11, 2009
Toronto (ECN) – In a recent study that included 42 women with the average age of 65 years, it was shown that being physically fit helps older women stay mentally fit. The women who were active in the physical group compared to those who were not had improved in their resting blood pressure by ten percent, better blood flow in their brains during exercise by five percent, and higher scores on cognitive tests, such as memory, by ten percent.
The results have proven that those who have better blood flow have better cognition. People who are considered sedentary have a higher risk for stroke and dementia. The researchers believe that their findings provide a simple answer to helping to prevent or slow down age related diseases, and that is simple exercise.
A 91 year old participant who is a retired school teacher and is currently a preschool volunteer has said that she is greatly encouraged to continue walking the six kilometers a day due to the finding of this study. She said that even though it is exercise, to her it is not work, it is something that not only keeps her fit but helps to lift her spirits.
Another participant who is 67 years old contributes exercise to helping her look younger then her true age. She says that exercise is not something she has to be good at but something she just has to do. She says that she feels really good, without any aches or pains.
Included in the tests of this study was the oxygen intake of these participants as they were on stationary bikes exercising and also the blood vessel capacity of the participants were measured. The participants were breathing in higher levels of carbon dioxide as they were resting while the levels were measured. The test was to determine as the demand was increased, how well the blood vessels in the brain responded.
Staying physically fit is extremely important, not only for those who are older in age, but for everyone. It is better to start staying in shape as early as you can as it will help you to maintain your mental health more then you would without it. Staying in shape can be easily accomplished with a fitness plan that includes exercise and a healthy eating plan. Consulting your doctor may help in determining what the best plan for you is. Also, make sure to have a support system to help you through the rough times.