No Brain Drain for seniors who make Exercise a Habit

Articles on Exercise | Topics: exercise, exercises, exercising

by Richard Ortega

How many times do you hear yourself or other seniors say, "Sorry, I'm just having another senior moment?" Sometimes we even forget whether we said something out loud or just thought it. Other times, we are accused of revising history because we can't remember exactly how an event happened or who was there when it occurred. The aging brain also hinders how quickly we can solve problems or how alert we feel. Some seniors feel like losing memory and the sharpness of their mental faculties is just part of growing old. In many cases, however, losing the performance of our human computer does not have to be so dramatic. Many seniors are making exercise more of a habit so their sharp and educated minds don't suffer. Studies across the country are showing that seniors who exercise their bodies have the least trouble exercising their minds. It is inevitable that we lose some of our sharpness as we age; however, it is possible to lower how dramatically we feel the effect of aging with just a little extra attention to the body.

If you are thinking that five nights a week at the gym is necessary to maintain your brain's functioning, then luckily you are misinformed. Being a bit more active in general, helps seniors stays focused and recall memories better. Many seniors who incorporate just a few more hours in the garden, or who take a morning stroll three times a week, are relishing their not only increased energy, but their ability to recall memories and stay focused as well. All the brain is asking for is an increase in oxygen and blood flow a little more often than we may want. Improved circulation allows the body to process more toxins, gets more nutrients to the brain, and encourages the heart to help out in the process. Giving our brain what it needs can help eliminate many of those "senior moments."

Historical Quote

A state that denies its citizens their basic rights becomes a danger to its neighbors as well: internal arbitrary rule will be reflected in arbitrary external relations. The suppression of public opinion, the abolition of public competition for power and its public exercise opens the way for the state power to arm itself in any way it sees fit.... A state that does not hesitate to lie to its own people will not hesitate to lie to other states.

—Václav Havel (b. 1936)

Once the brain knows that it will get more out of you, it will give back more as well. There is very much to be said for exercising the brain through reading and other forms of education, but remember that the brain needs the strength which only physical exercise can provide. Increase the number of walks you take, start swimming or going to the gym, play tennis or another team or two-person sport with a friend, or get involved with square, line or ballroom dancing groups. Walking comes highly recommended since it is cost efficient (besides good shoes and an appropriate jacket for rain or cold) and can be done by stepping out of the house. Weight training, yoga and Pilates are also great ways to get blood flowing to the brain and they let you slowly build up the amount of energy you use. If you can order exercise videos for rainy days, make sure you pick one that is on your level, or is designated for seniors. Pick out something that you know you want to try. If you don't like dancing or aerobics, try a yoga for seniors video for example. Focusing on a video gives your brain something to dig into. The point is to incorporate more activity into your life so your brain can stay healthy.

If you talk to seniors who frequent a gym or who go to dance classes with friends, they will emit a vibrancy that a non-exercising senior will not. They feel better and their brain is happier. They are usually better at recalling information and have an overall appearance which says that they are alert and aware of their surroundings. The brain and body tire and weaken almost at the same rate without exercise. Exercise requires that the brain helps us coordinate our limbs to perform the activity. These calculations of the human brain, when done often, keep the brain in fit shape. The physical elements of the exercise return oxygen and blood to the brain which help it perform better each time. If the brain seems drained, it is probably because the body has not been challenged and used enough. Give increasing your activity and exercise a chance and see if your brain begins to amaze you once again.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "No Brain Drain for seniors who make Exercise a Habit" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by HealthExerciseSports.com.

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