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Even if you’ve never worked out before, start moving now and see the benefits.
That’s because a new study finds that starting any amount of physical activity can help with long-term cognitive health, regardless of age.
Researchers already knew that people who participate in physical activity in their leisure time have a lower risk of dementia and higher cognitive function afterward than those who are inactive, said the study’s author and MRC unit investigator. One Sarah Naomi James, Ph.D. Lifelong Health and Aging at University College London.
What researchers didn’t know is whether there are specific times in life when people need to be active, or whether there are activity thresholds that must be met to see those benefits.
the study, Published Tuesday in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, tracked the physical activity patterns of approximately 1,500 people over 30 years of adulthood. According to the study, participants were tested on their cognitive status, verbal memory and processing speed when she was 69 years old.
A study found that physical activity over a lifetime was associated with the best cognitive outcomes later in life, but that being active at any time and to any degree was associated with higher cognition.
Even those who became active in their 50s or 60s had improved cognitive scores at age 70, James said. A surprisingly small amount of activity (about once a month) has helped her throughout her adult life, she added.
Dr. William Roberts, professor of family medicine and community health at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, said: on mail.
Roberts was not involved in the research.
At the societal level, findings point to the need for increased access to education that promotes skills and motivation for physical activity at all ages, according to the study.
For those who are active on a regular basis, the results are encouraging and should suggest that their investment may pay off.
“If you’ve never worked out before, or haven’t exercised in a while, get started!” James said in an email.
Even if you’re not an athlete who likes to sweat, there are still ways to incorporate some activity into your life.
Setting goals, making concrete plans, finding ways to make them fun, staying flexible, and getting social support are key to making habits stick, says behavioral scientist Katie Milkman said. In his interview with CNN in 2021. Milkman is his James G. Dinan professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
You can start slow, says Dana Santas, CNN Fitness contributor and mind-body coach for professional athletes.
“Practicing 10 minutes of exercise every day is a lot easier than people think. Think about how long it will pass,” Santa told CNN in a 2022 interview. “It’s not a big investment of time, but it can provide big health benefits.”
Yoga is a great way to de-stress while staying active, she said, and it’s easily accessible online for people of all levels.
And walking outdoors or on a treadmill is one of the easiest ways to get consistent exercise, says Santa.
“Walking is the most underrated corrective, mind-body, fat-burning exercise available to humans,” she added.
Regular walks can be a great opportunity to multitask when used to bond with family, friends and neighbors, added Santa.
If you want to increase the intensity of your walk, Santa recommends adding harder intervals, weights, or a heavier backpack.
Evan Matthews, associate professor of exercise science and physical education at Montclair State University in New Jersey, tells CNN in 2021: just move. ”
