Swing that Golf Club or Go for a Walk: Boost Your Brain Power!
Boost Your Mental Acuity Seniors Can Reap Benefits from 18 Holes of Golf
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Want to give your brain a boost and protect your cognitive function as you age? Well, forget about those brain training apps and crossword puzzles. The secret lies in swinging that golf club or simply going for a leisurely stroll. Who knew exercise could be so fun and beneficial?
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland found that physical activities like walking and playing golf were associated with improved cognitive function among older adults. And here’s the kicker: Nordic walking, the kind where you use poles and turn it into a full-body workout, offered the same brain-boosting benefits. It’s like killing two birds with one stone!
“These findings underscore the value of age-appropriate aerobic exercise, such as golf, Nordic walking, and regular walking, in maintaining and enhancing cognitive function among older adults,” said Julia Kettinen, the study’s first author and a doctoral researcher at the University of Eastern Finland. Finally, a legitimate excuse to spend more time on the golf course!
Previous research has also shown that exercise holds promise as a potential strategy for those experiencing cognitive decline. So, if you want to keep your mental powers intact, it’s time to dust off those golf clubs and strap on those walking shoes. Your brain will thank you later.
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But what exactly did the study entail? Well, 25 healthy golfers aged 65 and older participated in three intense bouts of aerobic exercise: golf, walking, and Nordic walking. And don’t worry, they didn’t just hit a few balls at the driving range or stroll lazily around the park. No, these participants maintained their typical brisk pace and strutted their stuff in a real-life environment. Talk about dedication!
To assess their cognitive function, the researchers used a pair of tests that measured various abilities, such as attention, processing speed, and task-switching. And to dig a little deeper, blood samples were collected to measure the levels of two chemicals believed to reflect the cognitive benefits of exercise: neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cathepsin B (CTSB). It’s science at its finest!
So, did swinging that golf club or striding like a Nordic warrior have any positive effects? Well, it turns out that both forms of walking were associated with enhanced executive functioning. Executive skills are all about planning, organizing, and staying focused. Imagine being a master at multitasking like a pro! Unfortunately, no significant effects on the levels of BDNF and CTSB were observed. But hey, we can’t have it all, right?
The study was a collaborative effort involving researchers from the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom and ETH Zürich in Switzerland. They all deserve a round of applause for shedding light on the cognitive benefits of these physical activities.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your golf clubs, put on your walking shoes, and get moving! Your brain will thank you, and who knows, you might even discover a hidden talent for golf or Nordic walking. It’s time to ace that game and be the envy of your peers on the golf course. Share your experiences and let us know how it goes. Fore!
More information
- The Arthritis Foundation has more on Nordic walking.
- Source: University of Eastern Finland, news release, Oct. 16, 2023
##### SLIDESHOW: Exercises for Seniors: Tips for Core, Balance, Stretching See Slideshow
