Some people age in a healthy way while others don’t. Researchers at the Canadian McMaster Institute for Research on Aging contend that good heart health can ease the challenges of aging. This is backed up by similar studies in the England and Scotland based on the UK Biobank.
The results stem from a Canadian longitudinal study on aging which has followed the lives of some 50,000 individuals for at least 20 years with regular questionnaires on health, finances, social aspects lifestyle, medications and nutrition. They are also exploring the view that providing people with better nutrition information leads them to improve their diet and health.
The researchers consider that better nutrition, physical activity and socialising can improve heart health, but also tends to boost brain health and may delay dementia. Earlier research had shown that poor heart health could cause brain changes that could increase the risk of strokes and dementia. The UK research uncovered associations between a variety of conditions (including stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and depression), and an increased risk of dementia.
The Canadian researchers also found a close relationship between physical mobility impairments (trouble walking for example) and difficulty with brain health, and vice versa. Strong positive signals from the research lead to the suggestion that older people take a combined approach to preventing or delaying the onset of dementia. The suggestion is to exercise in a group setting (dancing, group walks, Steady as You Go) to combine the exercise with socialisation.
It is recommended that adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity every week, which can be in 10-minute intervals. So, get off the couch and do something – it has got to be good for you.