It’s never too late to start exercising regularly, even if you are in your later years. This is the conclusion that researches have reached after years of studying how exercise affects the body and mind. Exercise can do a lot more than extend your life by strengthening your cardiovascular and muscular systems. It can actually affect the part of the brain directly associated with learning and memorizing. Current research shows definite links to how exercise is a strong preventative measure to stave off the development of Alzheimer’s diseases. I believe the importance of exercise to holistic well-being is difficult to overstate.
Strengthening the Brain
The hippocampus is located in the cerebral cortex and it helps regulate our learning and memory as well as our emotions. It’s also the part of the brain that begins deteriorating during later years, causing the onset of dementia in many people. Exercising regularly stimulates the birth of new neurons, brain cells and blood vessels over time. As a result, the hippocampus is strengthened and literally grows bigger.
The increased size of the hippocampus that occurs after months of regular aerobic and strength training exercises also means better memory and improved cognitive functioning overall. This means that exercising regularly can actually stave off the decline of cognitive abilities that comes with aging, as well as dementia itself.
Why Aerobic Exercise is Important
While strength training exercises can help maintain strength, balance and vitality, aerobic exercise likely has a greater effect on the brain. The continuous rhythmic motions of the legs and arms while running or walking stimulates areas of the brain associated with cognitive skills, like the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Other aerobic exercises like rowing, swimming and riding a bicycle have the same effects.
Pay attention to the way you feel when you go for a walk after a stressful day. You should feel the relaxing effects on your mind after just a few minutes of continuous walking. This is evidence of the proven effects of exercise on the brain. Exercising regularly is also beneficial for mental health.
Aerobic exercise reduces anxiety and stress because of the strengthening effect it has on specific parts of the brain. This makes it useful for people struggling with anxiety disorders such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome as well as for managing everyday stress and frustration.
So, pick the exercises that fit your style and personality the most and do them regularly. We don’t always have the time to exercise like we want to, but taking creative measures to get some regular exercise in pays massive mental and physical health dividends.