A number of studies have found that regular physical exercise can help prevent declines in both memory and thinking as we age. But most of these studies have looked at the effects of aerobic exercises such as jogging and swimming, rather than “mind-body” exercises such as yoga and tai chi. These exercises differ from aerobic exercises in two ways. They’re generally slower and gentler. And to do them, you have to carefully concentrate on moving your body in very precise ways.
New Research in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
To compare the effects of aerobic and mind-body exercises on aspects of memory-including learning, retaining, and retrieving information-researchers in Hong Kong studied 140 adults, aged 56 to 78. None had dementia.
The researchers asked each to fill out a questionnaire asking what kinds of exercises he or she did, for how long, and how often. The researchers also gave the adults standardized memory tests to determine how well they learned, retained, and retrieved information.
Adults who got regular mind-body exercise did as well on the tests as those who got regular aerobic exercise. And both groups did better than those who didn’t exercise, the researchers found. But adults who got mind-body and aerobic exercise on a regular basis did the best on the memory tests.
“Practicing both (aerobic and mind-body) exercises appears to have a combined effect that might help to preserve memory in older adults,” the researchers conclude. “In addition, mind-body exercises may be considered as an alternative training for older adults who cannot practice strenuous physical exercise” because of disabilities or other health problems.
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