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A friend I respect told me about a book he thought I would enjoy, so I ordered it that day.
The book, “Brain Rules, 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School,” is written by John Medina, a molecular biologist whose lifelong interest is discovering exactly how the brain works. He describes 12 rules that scientists know about the mechanics of our brains and how those systems affect our lives.
Among the 12, I was especially intrigued by his take on brain evolution and how important exercise — I’ll call it movement — is for brain vitality. He says the brain is designed to solve problems related to survival in a hostile environment and to do so in nearly constant motion.
Early humanoids evolved to adapt to food supplies, weather conditions and predators. All those challenges created a bigger and better brain function, but constant movement in the face of an external threat was key to an evolving brain. He says movement continues to be a necessary component of healthy aging.
It isn’t necessarily about joining a gym and working out on a regular basis. It is about moving your body. In other words, get out of your chair as often as you can.
Even though we aren’t running from a saber-toothed tiger, we still need to get out of our recliners and move to have a high-functioning brain. Our modern conveniences have come to us out of years of creative inventions, and they have led us to a lifestyle that may now be the enemy.
I’ve said this before, but TV remotes, garage door openers, riding lawnmowers and now shoes that you don’t bend over to put on or tie are diminishing our brain health.
Instead of viewing exercise as a means to control your weight or improve your appearance, consider it a powerful brain booster. Could it potentially reduce the risk of dementia?
Scientists have found that movement increases cardiovascular fitness. It’s a simple equation: Your brain needs oxygen to function at its best. So, every step you take, every stretch you do, is a step toward a healthier, more vibrant brain.
John Medina poses a thought-provoking question, “Is there one factor that predicts how well you will age?” Despite extensive research and the study of numerous factors — genetic and environmental — Medina points to a compelling finding: “One of the greatest predictors of successful aging is the presence or absence of a sedentary lifestyle.”
In other words, the more you move, the better your chances of aging successfully.
More bluntly said, if you are a couch potato, you are more likely to encounter mental decline, and if you get up and move, it increases the odds that you’ll be more mentally alert.
There is an emphasis on taking care of your body as you age, but equally important is taking care of your brain. Paste the quote from Medina on your bathroom mirror: “Aerobic exercise just twice a week halves your risk of general dementia. It cuts your risk of Alzheimer’s by 60%!”
It makes me think of Dr. Seuss: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go … ”
Find Connie’s book, “Daily Cures: Wisdom for Healthy Aging,” at www.justnowoldenough.com.
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Sources 2/ https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2024/07/07/being-active-will-increase-odds-youll-be-more-mentally-alert/74281331007/ The mention sources can contact us to remove/changing this article |
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