Following a steady exercise regimen throughout one’s life has long been acknowledged as key to good overall health, and it may have particular benefits for the brain. After following a group of seniors for five years, University of Miami researchers found that those who exercised even moderately had brains that looked 10 years younger than those of seniors who led a sedentary life. Although both groups showed some degree of memory loss after the five years, the rate among the exercisers was markedly less than among their counterparts. Furthermore, they had lower blood pressure and fewer MRI results that suggested undiagnosed strokes. The study team stressed that it is crucial to begin an exercise regimen before memory loss begins, because after it starts, it cannot be reversed.
The golden years:
In 2015, there were 900 million people over the age of 60; by 2050, that number is expected to reach 2 billion.
Studies suggest that adults actually get happier as they get older, especially once they reach their 70s and 80s.
Today, one in every 6,000 people lives to be 100, compared with one in every 67,000 people just 50 years ago.