Staying sharp into old age is not just a matter of winning the genetic lottery
THIS IS A PREVIEW.to access the full article.Already purchased this issue?
As everybody knows, if you do not work out, your muscles get flaccid. What most people don't realize, however, is that your brain also stays in better shape when you exercise. And not just challenging your noggin by, for example, learning a new language, doing difficult crosswords or taking on other intellectually stimulating tasks. As researchers are finding, exercise is critical to vigorous mental health, too.
Surprised? Although the idea of exercising cognitive machinery by performing mentally demanding activities—popularly termed the “use it or lose it” hypothesis—is better known, a review of dozens of studies shows that maintaining a mental edge requires more than that. Other things you do—including participating in activities that make you think, getting regular exercise, staying socially engaged and even having a positive attitude—have a meaningful influence on how effective your cognitive functioning will be in old age.
THIS IS A PREVIEW.to access the full article.Already purchased this issue? Buy Digital Issue$9.99 You May Also Like
Scientific American Archive Single Issue
Special Editions Volume 23, Issue 5s
Scientific American Archive Single Issue
Scientific American Single Issue
No comments:
Post a Comment