Regular, moderate exercise benefits over 50s' mind, research finds

Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has suggested that doing moderate exercise several times per week is the best way to keep the mind sharp if you’re over 50.

The report reviewed the findings of 39 studies and concluded that thinking and memory skills were most improved when people exercised the heart and muscles on a regular basis. It also indicated that this remained true even for those who already showed signs of cognitive decline.

The findings comes as physical activity has long been known to reduce the risk of a number of diseases, including type-2 diabetes and some cancers, and it is thought to play a role in warding off the brain's natural decline as we enter middle age.

The scientists theorised that through exercise the brain receives a greater supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients that boost its health as well as a growth hormone that helps the formation of new neurons and connections.

In the analysis of previous studies, researchers from the University of Canberra looked at the effects of at least four weeks of structured physical exercise on the brain function of adults.

Joe Northey, study author and researcher from the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise at Canberra, commented: “Even if you are doing moderate exercise only once or twice a week there are still improvements in cognitive function, but the improvements were better the more exercise was done.”

Dr Justin Varney, lead for adult health and wellbeing at Public Health England, added: “Whilst every 10 minutes of exercise provides some benefit, doing 150 minutes a week cuts the chances of depression and dementia by a third, and boosts mental health at any age.

"Doing both aerobic and strengthening exercises leads to a greater variety of health benefits."