Assistant Beauty & Health Editor
Assistant Beauty & Health Editor
Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more.
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October 6, 2023
The wise tale goes if you don’t stop moving, you’ll never stop moving, speaking to the longevity benefits of exercise. While movement as a general category is a great place to start, research has begun exploring the best forms of exercise for those energetic super-agers.
One new study suggests a combination of exercise philosophies to improve cognitive performance for those 85 or older. To come, the favorable workout plan.
Strength training & cardio combination supports healthy brain aging
The researchers used self-reported questionnaires from 184 cognitively healthy participants (53% women) to evaluate exercise patterns. Then, those adults completed cognitive tests evaluating skills in coding, information processing speed, letter and word-based tests, and cognitive flexibility.
When compared with those who were sedentary or involved in just strength training or only cardio, the combination came out on top in terms of cognitive performance.
This doesn’t mean strength training and cardio is the only beneficial combination, as the adults participating in some kind of movement scored higher than those in the sedentary groups, reiterating the importance of general activity.
But still, why would these be the ideal modes of exercise, Well, according to previous research, strength training can elicit alterations in various neurometabolites linked to the preservation of brain health while also augmenting muscle functional characteristics in the brain2, which can support sensory , motor, and cognitive functions.
Plus, exercise of any kind can produce an endorphin release in the brain, contributing to a feel-good mood boost and even helping to prevent depression4.
Other ways to support brain longevity
It’s no secret that engaging in cardio and strength training after the age of 85 can be difficult and inaccessible for many people. So, here’s more ways to support your brain as you age:
The takeaway
A new study found that cardio and strength training combined were beneficial for improving cognitive performance in adults 85 or older. Any movement is beneficial for overall health, so engage in whatever activities you can to support longevity. In addition, consider adding a hobby or light work to your day to continue learning and flexing your brain muscles. Of course, keep diet in mind too–here’s a peak inside the menu of a 101-year-old neurologist if you need some inspiration.
