By Tania Basta, B.S.

For the third time this week, you spent 15 frustrating minutes searching for your keys. You begin wondering whether or not you are getting more forgetful or just having a “senior moment.” Does this sound familiar?

Well, the good news is that while your mind and memory may slow down a bit with the passing years, there is plenty you can do to help keep your brain in shape.

One way to sharpen your memory is to go for a brisk walk! According to a new study of sedentary 60 to 70-year-old adults at the University of Illinois, those individuals who walked about 45 minutes, three times a week for six months, performed 15 to 20 percent better on cognitive tasks than those who did only stretching or strengthening exercises. Not only did the walkers perform better on tests that gauged their ability to plan, establish schedules and switch between tasks, they showed significant improvements in aerobic fitness (maximum oxygen consumption). The aforementioned study, published in the journal Nature, credits the subjects‘ improved cognitive ability to increase oxygen supply to the brain.

So add mental acuity to the numerous benefits of cardiovascular exercise! And, the next time you forget where you parked the car, make a conscious effort (you might want to write it down) to get some exercise!

For additional information please contact NIFS at 317.274.3432.