The brain benefits of exercise

It’s well known that regular exercising slows the aging process and prolongs life. A great many studies show this. They actually show that the parts of the brain that control memory and thinking are larger in people who exercise and indirectly this helps sleep and improves mood. It also reduces stress and anxiety. I’ve been exercising regularly for decades and I’m getting along but I wouldn’t want to say it’s only because of exercising.  I think it’s a combination of things but I believe that aerobic exercise in particular makes the largest contribution.

Many studies show that the parts of the brain that control memory and thinking are larger in people who exercise and indirectly this helps sleep, improves mood, and reduces stress and anxiety.

I’m 92 and started exercising regularly decades ago. And I kept at it and even though I’ve reduced the level of my elliptical routine and do less of the others, I still continue. If you’re thinking about it, whatever your age, it’s never too late to start and the benefits will begin.

A 2021 Harvard study found that “older Harvard alumni who were exercising had about 50 percent lower mortality rates than their classmates who were sedentary, and that the benefits of exercise were much higher in older than younger alumni. The study says “we evolved to be physically active ...”.  It talks about lifelong activity helping us live longer and healthier as we age. The reason, they say, is “because physical activity turns on a broad range of repair and maintenance mechanisms that counter the effects of aging”.

Another researcher, a leading neuroscientist at New York University, has written how exercise can improve brain function, mood, and memory. It goes on to explain how exercise can protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases. I find this really amazing!

Years ago, I started jogging and then running and doing a few stretching and other exercises. After a year or so my body and then my mind became accustomed to this regular activity My motivation then was just the satisfaction of being fit and healthy. I knew I felt better after I ran and exercised but I didn’t know why and wasn’t aware of the potential long-term benefit. Countless studies now show there’s a positive connection between exercise and the brain and a long life.

We all have our own routines and do them for a variety of reasons but despite the differences I believe we may all have a common thread and that would be strong motivation, a great desire to be fit, and determination. These same traits we’ll use to overcome obstacles that get in our way. Most of all we want to be healthy and fit as we get older. We want our high quality of life to keep up with our age!