Regular exercise for the over-50s 'sharpens the mind'

Conclusion It's no surprise to hear that exercise has health benefits – but not everyone knows that it's good for your brain as well as your body. This study provides evidence that, even for people with some signs of declining mental function, regular moderately intense exercise has a positive effect. There are a few minor caveats, however. Although the study showed tai chi is beneficial, this was based on only four trials. And it's not completely clear how often people need to exercise. The study found any number of weekly sessions showed a benefit, but it's reasonable to think more sessions would be more beneficial. The reasons why physical exercise benefits mental function are thought to include better blood flow to the brain, which keeps nerve cells healthy and supplied with oxygen, lower inflammation and less cellular damage. Current guidelines for exercise for adults in the UK are to do at least one of the following: 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week, and strength exercises on two or more days a week that work all the major muscles (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms) 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, such as running or a game of singles tennis, every week, and strength exercises on two or more days a week a mix of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity every week (two 30-minute runs plus 30 minutes of fast walking equates to 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity) and strength...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Older people Neurology Source Type: news