There is a common perception that memory loss and forgetfulness are normal parts of aging and there is nothing seniors can do to maintain brain health. However, research tells a different story.
According to the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), exercise can stimulate the brain?s ability to maintain old network connections and make new ones vital to healthy cognition. Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, is thought to be more beneficial to cognitive health than non-aerobic stretching and toning exercises.1
A 2011 study showed that brisk walking can increase the size of the brain?s hippocampus region, which is associated with forming memories. Moderate physical exercise also helps protect the aging brain. In a year-long study, one group of older adults walked for 40 minutes a day; another group performed stretching and toning exercises. The walking group had an average 2 percent increase in hippocampus volume. These results suggest that inactive older adults may be able to stop or reverse age-related hippocampus atrophy in just one year of moderate aerobic activity.2
While scientists don?t yet know what prevents age-related cognitive decline, or Alzheimer?s disease, there is evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help maintain and improve overall health and well-being. Part of a healthy lifestyle is being physically active. Your Independence Medicare Advantage patients have a FREE fitness benefit to help them get the activity they need: SilverSneakers?.
Benefits of SilverSneakers
The nation?s leading exercise program designed exclusively for seniors, SilverSneakers, gives members access to:
- trained instructors
- group fitness classes designed for all fitness levels
- 14,000+ participating locations nationwide
- online, on-demand workout videos, plus health and nutrition tips
Encourage your Independence Medicare Advantage patients to take advantage of their fitness benefit. To get started, they simply take their SilverSneakers member ID number to the nearest participating location. They can use any participating locations nationwide, at any time. To learn more about the program and find participating locations, your patients can visit SilverSneakers.com or call 1-888-423-4632 (TTY: 711).
1 nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults
2 nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/moderate-exercise-may-improve-memory-older-adults
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