Staying fit helps seniors keep their brains sharp

Seniors who want to stay sharp as they age should hit the treadmill, elliptical or exercise bike as often as possible.

A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine shows that better cardio fitness in older age is linked to healthier brain aging.

For the study, researchers recruited 650 brain-healthy seniors aged 65 to 80 and tested their cardio fitness using a graded treadmill running test.

Their brain power was also assessed with a comprehensive battery of tests carried out over 2 days.

Five different types of brain functions were assessed:

1. Processing speed
2. Short term working memory 
3. Long term episodic memory
4. Planning and organizational skills
5. Ability to interpret visual and spatial relationships

Read the rest of the article, published in the Miami Herald, downloading the picture.