Can speeding up slow down aging?

Over 57s who think you can’t teach an older dear new tricks might want to consider the findings of a new study which suggest exercise, even in the short term, could have a positive impact on aging and memory too. Certainly, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that keeping fit as you hit the twilight age can prolong longevity. And there’s no reason why you can’t step up the exercise whatever age you are, regardless if you’ve been a little less active in the past.

Studies which explore the effects of exercise on memory, executive function, visuospatial skills and processing speed, have all been focused on the impact of long term exercise. However, a recent study suggests that even short term activity may benefit cognitive function too.

The study

A University of Texas at Dallas study involved 37 participants aged between 57 and 75 years old who although healthy cognitively lead a sedentary lifestyle. The adults were split at random into two groups, with one continuing to not lead an active life, as the control group, and another group took on physical training. This second group took part in thrice weekly one hour supervised aerobic sessions for 12 weeks, either running on a treadmill or cycling on a stationary bike.

The results

Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth tested cardiovascular fitness, cognitive health and cerebral blood flow when resting. These measurements were taken before, during and after training, then compared with the control group. Immediate and delayed memory performance improved with the active group at each stage. At the same time, VO2 max and perceived exertion also revealed gains too. In essence, the study suggests that even aerobic activity in the short term can have benefits for otherwise sedentary adults, in terms of cognitive aging.

Comments

The increase in function could be connected to increased blood flow in the brain, and this includes the hippocampus, which is linked to Alzheimer’s. While the relationship between exercise, the brain and the aging process is yet to be fully understood, studies like this further strengthen the idea of how leading an active life is vital.

As study author Sandra Bond Chapman explains, “The combination of physical and mental exercise may be the best health measures to improve overall cognitive brain health. We have just begun to test the upper boundaries of how we can enhance our brain’s performance into late life. To think we can alter and improve the basic structure of the mature brain through aerobic exercise and complex thinking should inspire us to challenge our thinking and get moving at any age.”

Time to get fit?

As people live longer, being able to carry on with an independent lifestyle for longer has become more important. The idea of what a man or woman in their 60s can do, not to mention 70s and 80s, has changed remarkably. The post-employment generations are enjoying living life to the full. Whatever your fitness past, is it time you speeded up to slow down your aging?