It’s common knowledge that maintaining your physical fitness is key to living a full and happy life. Those that establish active health habits early in life (swimming, walking daily, and starting a personalized physical therapy program) are likely to stay in good physical condition well into their golden years. Being in tip-top shape and enjoying the benefits is a topic of many health conversations; however, what is often left out of the conversation is the relationship between being in peak physical condition and relishing a high level of cognitive status.

According to a recent study conducted in Finland, researchers have found that a sample population of older adults that committed to an exercise routine at least two times a week showed a lower risk of cognitive disorders like dementia compared to their more sedentary counterparts. The correlation between increased physical activity and heightened cognition can be tied to many things, with the strongest relationship factor being the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and an exercise hormone called Irisin during exercise. The release of BDNF and Irisin can stimulate neurogenesis in the brain, keeping the beneficiaries sharp!

It is important to note that not all the study participants were life-long athletes, in fact many made the commitment to varied routines and methods of exercise as they entered the middle age (43-55) demographic. Many of the participants chose from all ranges (low, moderate to high) of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) as a means of staying active. What rings true for all partakers is that in addition to taking a vested interest in fighting corrosive heart health, and the ever-burgeoning threat of obesity, all individuals made the commitment to also staving off devasting disorders such as dementia as they age by finding a fitness regimen that worked for them.

Want to get into an exercise routine, but not sure what activity to choose? Studies have found that the following are strong starting points for those looking to increase their physical activity:

• Walking daily (at least 30 minutes per day)
• Light yoga
• Swimming
• Maintaining a physical therapy routine!

These exercises have shown to increase mobility, cognition and promote and overall state of wellness.

Let Smart Rehab help make 2019 a year of increased overall wellness and physical competency. For more information on home-based physical therapy please visit our website at thesmartrehab.com, or give our experts a call at 314-403-0492 to learn more. Remember, it’s never too late to get serious about your health.