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Take a Walk on the Frequent Side
Wish you could always remember yesterday like it was only yesterday? Then take a 20-minute walk today. And every day.
Yep. In a recent study, that's all the extra activity it took to help counter faltering memories in a group of people over age 50.
Long-Lasting Benefits
After just 6 months of doing an extra 20 minutes of exercise daily (on top of the physical activity done normally), a group of adults experiencing slight losses in memory and verbal fluency saw improvements. More good news: The exercise didn't have to be terribly taxing. Not only did walking work but so did swimming and ballroom dancing. Even better, the improvements persisted for 12 months after the study ended, and some benefits lasted up to 18 months. The research suggests that exercise may help delay Alzheimer's in at-risk adults -- people who have mild cognitive decline.
Move for Your Mind
Although it's yet not fully understood how staying active improves the mind, it may be that the boost in blood flow nourishes brain tissue and, by extension, stimulates the generation of new neurons, synapses, and blood vessels. Exercise can also relieve stress and enhance your mood.
Take your pick: RealAge has four different online workout videos for you to try -- from beginner to experienced.
RealAge Benefit:
Exercising regularly can make your RealAge as much as 9 years younger.
