Over 60? This Kind of Cardio Can Sharpen Your Brain Fast, According to Science – Eat This, Not That

When people joke about getting old, it’s quite common to hear the age-old phrase, “You’re only as old as you feel.” Well, if you feel like you’re getting older, either mentally or physically, it’s time to start taking action. It’s always a good idea to take a walk every day and make sure you’re feeding your body with nutritious food. Reading and all kinds of mental exercises are also beneficial habits to adopt. But we suggest getting active with something that will empower your body, mind, and soul a healthy workout. According to science, there’s a type of cardio that sharpens your brain fast, and we’ve got the scoop.

Get excited, because this type of workout will help you look and feel younger while having fun. Recent research reveals physical activity/a type of cardio that sharpens the brain and promotes an overall healthier life. Read on to find out what it is, and then check out The 6 Best Exercises for Strong, Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.

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Whether you fancy salsa, tango, or listening to the best 70s tunes and disco at your leisure, you can help sharpen your brain and maybe learn some new moves on the dance floor. And that’s not all: you’ll be the envy of all your friends when you show them your sophisticated footwork!

This recent research found that dancing improves the general well-being of older adults with respect to their aging process, and the benefits are substantial. According to research done by the Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases and published in the National Library of Medicine, dancing stimulates your brain and improves intellectual peripheries more than other types of exercise or none. doing none. You can benefit from it physically, even after a short dance session. Positive developments noted in research significantly improve physiological, motor and cognitive abilities.

Related: The Best Cardio Exercises to Burn Fat Fast, Without Equipment

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According to an article published via Harvard Medical School, synchronizing movement with music, i.e. dancing, establishes a “double play of pleasure”. Dancing activates the motor and sensory circuits of the brain, and music excites the reward centers of your brain.

old couple dancing in a dance class
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Previous research done by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and published in the New England Journal of Medicine discovered that dancing can improve your brain condition. Scientists observed the relationship between recreational activities and dementia in participants over the age of 75. They searched for a total of 11 activities, including swimming, tennis, cycling, bowling, walking and golf. One of the observed activities resulted in a decreased risk of developing dementia in the individuals studied. Can you guess what it is? Dancing!

Social Dancing at Stanford took this study one step further by addressing the question “why can the type of dancing lead to an increase in mental intelligence?” They examined the group of participants studied (people aged over 75). They concluded that the main form of dance these older people likely practiced in retirement was “free social dancing” – something they did when they were younger. Examples of “freestyle social dancing” include the basic waltz, swing, and foxtrot.

Yet another previous study documented by scientists at Minot State University in North Dakota found that Zumba can be a mood booster and improves the brain’s ability to make decisions, in addition visual recognition.

Still, dancing in general is a great form of cardio, and cardio can improve your brain health (in addition to decreasing inflammation, reducing stress, and improving blood flow to your brain). So if you’re feeling inspired to put on your dancing shoes, turn on the music, and fuel your body with some fun fitness, we can’t say we blame you!

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For more on Mind + Body, check out The Best Outdoor Cardio Exercises to Get Toned Fast, According to the Trainer and Get Killer Abs Fast with These 3 Effective Exercises, According to the Trainer.

About Mark A. Tomlin

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