Exercise and The Brain

The Washington Post had an interesting article today on the link between exercise and healthy brain function in the elderly. According to a 2006 survey, getting Alzheimer's Disease was a bigger source of anxiety for those 55 and over than the idea of having a stroke, heart attack or diabetes. And, according to two different studies, those aged 65 and older who exercised three or more times per week were less likely to develop dementia.

Doing exercise, even moderate forms of exercise like walking on a treadmill, stimulates the neurons in the hippocampus, the same area of the brain that controls memory. Unfortunately, studies also show that more than half of seniors aged 71 and over do less than 10 minutes of exercise per week (including activities such as leisure walks). The article suggested that even a modest amount of exercise that is not strenous on an aging body will have an effect on the brain. So, if any of our older members need motivation to keep coming to Club One Fitness, there it is! Also, if any of you need help designing a workout that takes into account your aging and abilities, please see me any time. I'd be happy to help!