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Yes, it's true. Exercise can help your brain stay sharp. According to research, not only does regular exercise increase blood flow to the brain, which also increases its access to oxygen and nutrients, it can also help to slow down cognitive decline.
According to a study by Joseph Michael Northey, Nicolas Cherbuin, Kate Louise Pumpa, Disa Jane Smee and Ben Rattray, "Physical exercise improved cognitive function in the over 50s, regardless of the cognitive status of participants. " Other research suggests that regular exercise can encourage brain cell growth, improve mood, boost creativity and decrease stress. Perhaps it can even delay the onset of dementia. In today's society, it's easy to become sedentary. However, instead think about the benefits of getting up off the sofa, stepping away from the computer and getting out in nature. Just take that morning walk or evening stroll. Get on the bike (on the road or stationary). Go dancing. Or enjoy low-impact exercises like doing Tai Chi, or going for a swim. Any exercise is better than none at all. Do it for your brain! Now, if you will excuse me, I've got some walking to do. Thanks for reading! Edited: 4/28/2018 to add link to study and add answer-page link. References:
* Northey JM, Cherbuin N, Pumpa KL, et al Exercise interventions for cognitive function in adults older than 50: a systematic review with meta-analysis Br J Sports Med 2018;52:154-160.
* Exercise 'keeps the mind sharp' in over-50s, study finds * This is Your Brain on Exercise * How physical exercise makes your brain work better
NOTE: I've posted the answers to the bonus content for last week's post (Puzzle Fun for Everyone). Check them out here.
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Map reading? What's that? In today's day and age where Google Maps and Mapquest exist, do we really need to learn to read a paper map? The answer is, if you want to keep your brain active, Yes! According to an article in the Boston Globe, "Historically, humans always had to work hard (if largely unconsciously) at this problem, paying close attention to their surroundings and assembling pictures in their heads that were populated with an array of landmarks, roads, intersections, and boundaries that, in sum, helped them figure out how to get where they wanted to go." This active engagement with their environment allowed for individuals to have mental maps of the areas they traveled in. Relying on GPS alone can decrease your natural ability to navigate in your world. Think about it. Whenever you let your navigation app tell you how to get to a place you've never been, are you able to get there the next time on your own? I know that I can't. In fact, I've always had a wacky sense of navigation. Growing up in NYC, where driving was unnecessary, I walked mostly everywhere. Whenever I walked somewhere, not only was the route I took very firmly etched in my memory I was also able to take alternate routes if for some reason my original route was unavailable. (If you've ever lived in NYC, you know that there's always construction somewhere and where there is construction sidewalks are often blocked off to pedestrian traffic.) Even now, after decades of living out of the state, I can still visualize every area where I've ever walked in NYC. Granted, the buildings may have changed over the years, but when I visited a few years ago, I simply knew that I could find my way to where I wanted to go--and I did! However, when I lived there, if I took public transportation or was driving I had a very poor recollection of how I got to where I was going, unless I actively made it a point to notice the landmarks I was passing. And even then I couldn't be certain. So, I'm operating at a disadvantage because my map-reading skills are fair at best and unless I've walked the route, I can't guarantee that I'll remember which way to go. Reading a paper map and learning to navigate that way, will build those necessary mental maps. And, at the same time, it will build on your brain's spatial awareness of your surroundings. How can you learn to read a map? Well, you can print out maps of the areas you're interested in. Also, many states have vistors' centers or tourist centers that provide free paper maps. And instead of letting the map sites navigate for you, you can look at the roads and plot out a course to try when you're out walking or driving--when you're not in a rush to get where you're going. If you need work on your map reading skills, there's a simple starter course on reading a map on thoughtco.com and on howtowilderness.com. Or you can get involved in Orienteering, a competitive international sport that combines racing with navigation. Any way you choose to do it, start learning to navigate on your own and you'll be building mental maps and enhancing your brain as you learn. Thanks for reading!
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