1. Physical activity Associated with Healthier Aging: Links between Exercise and Cognitive function, Bone Density, and Overall Health

Source:

ScienceDaily. Science News [Internet]. Physical Activity Associated With Healthier Aging: Links Between Exercise and Cognitive Function, Bone Density and Overall Health; 30 Jan 2010 [cited 2010 Jan 30]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100125172946.htm

This article examines a variety of health benefits gained through exercise. Physical activity can improve common problems associated with aging such as “arthritis, falls and fractures, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity”. The key point is that physical activity not only prolongs life, but it actually improves the quality of life. It was found that exercising in midlife years is directly related to improved health in old age. Data was analyzed using women in their 60’s who survived past 70. The amount of exercise done by women in the experiment correlates to a lower rate of problems associated with aging. Resistance training was also found to improve cognitive skills of older women. Those who performed resistance training once or twice a week found a higher increase in cognitive skills than the control group who only performed balance and tone training. This may be related to another study conducted in Germany which showed that moderate levels of activity can also increase cognitive skills. Participants in this study had cognitive impairment that was improved through moderate amount of physical activity. Another study in Germany assessed bone density and lower fall rates. This study found that those who participated in regular physical activity had denser bones in their spines and hips than those who were in the control group. Furthermore, the amount of fractures resulting from falls was twice as likely to occur in the control group compared to the group with denser bones.