Unlocking the Secrets How Seniors Maintain Cognitive Sharpness Even in Their Golden Years
Unveiling the Secrets How the Oldest of the Old Maintain Cognitive Sharpness
Image by BONNINSTUDIO / Stocksy
Ah, the wise tale of perpetual motion! It suggests that if you continue to move, you’ll never stop moving. And boy, does that make exercise sound like the fountain of youth! But hold on to your fashionable hats, my stylish darlings, because there’s some exciting research for the energetic super-agers out there.
Picture this: a group of lively individuals aged 85 to 99, strutting their stuff in the name of science. A recent study published in GeroScience now reveals that a combination of strength training and cardio can boost their cognitive performance. It’s like the perfect blend of yoga and HIIT for the brain!
The researchers evaluated exercise patterns by asking 184 mentally sharp participants about their workout routines. Then, they put these marvelous individuals through a series of cognitive tests, from coding wizardry to word-based wizardry. And lo and behold, those who combined strength training with cardio came out on top, leaving the pure strength trainers and the cardio enthusiasts in their dust.
Oh, but let’s not forget the power of any kind of movement, my lovely fashionistas. Those who simply engaged in any form of exercise scored higher than those who spent their days lounging like the fabulous sloths they are. So hop, skip, and jump your way to brain health, my dears!
But why, oh why, are strength training and cardio the ultimate duo? Well, according to previous research, strength training can change certain brain metabolites (fancy word alert!) linked to preserving brain health while also beefing up those brain muscles. Yes, darlings, your brains can have biceps too! And as for cardio, it activates a molecule called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which has been known to turn mouse brains into little Einsteins.
But that’s not all, my chic mavens! Exercise of any kind triggers an endorphin release in the brain, making you feel as fabulous as that new pair of designer shoes. And guess what? It can even ward off the fashion faux pas known as depression.
Now, let’s face it, my glamorous friends. Not all of us want to jump on the cardio and strength training bandwagon, especially when we reach the golden age of 85 and beyond. Fear not, for I have some more brain-boosting tips up my stylish sleeve!
First, my beautiful workaholics, listen up! A 2021 study found that retired individuals were more likely to experience cognitive decline. So, keep those fabulous minds busy and continue to work in some form. But don’t fret, my fabulous retiree fashionistas. We’re not talking about becoming workaholics or delving into a job that makes you want to throw your stilettos out the window. Just find ways to keep learning and challenging your brain, my lovelies.
Oh, and my dearest hobby enthusiasts! Whether you continue to work or not, finding a hobby is the secret ingredient for brain health. It’s like that perfect accessory that completes your outfit. Research even shows that having a hobby in your golden years can increase your happiness levels and life expectancy. So, grab those knitting needles or dust off that chessboard, my elegant queens and kings!
But wait, my brainy beauties, there’s more. Don’t forget to pamper those brains with brain foods, like the oh-so-delicious omega-3 fatty acids. Hey, you can even consider taking supplements if you want to go the extra mile in your brain-care routine. And if you really want to be the belle of the brain health ball, check out the MIND Diet. It’s like a glamorous blend of Mediterranean and DASH diets, known for their heart and brain benefits. Talk about a fabulous feast for your mind and body!
So, my stylish darlings, here’s the takeaway. Cardio and strength training combined are the dynamic duo for improving cognitive performance in the fabulous super-agers of 85 and beyond. But hey, any movement is better than sitting around like a Renaissance painting. So, find activities that make your heart and brain dance in unison! And don’t forget to indulge in a hobby or keep your fabulous brain busy with work. Oh, and a healthy diet filled with brain-boosting nutrients is the cherry on top of this fashionable brain health sundae.
Now, go forth, my glamazons, and conquer the world with your fashionable minds and fabulous moves!
