The Mind-Body Connection
Exercise powers the brain as much as it powers the body. This and other interesting ideas came to the forefront when physicians met recently to discuss theories on aging brains.
In discussing the most promising ways that healthy brains guard against the normal wear and tear of aging, brain specialists pointed to research on physical exercise's effect on the brain.
They agreed that "physical exercise is the best-proven prescription so far." In fact, "memory improved when 72-year-olds started a walking program three days a week, and sophisticated scans showed their brains' activity patterns started resembling those of younger people."
It's long been known that exercise has a positive effect on the brain. Any marathon runner will tell you about the effect of those endorphins. And many people say they just "feel better" when they exercise.
But the idea of exercising to specifically improve memory is powerful and attention-getting. I think many people have become anesthetized to hearing about the physical effects of exercise because they're so widely discussed and written about. But, perhaps if LTCFs trumpeted the cognitive benefits of exercise just as much as the physical benefits, they'd get more active participants in their exercise and wellness programs.
-Maureen McAndrews, managing editor