FAMILY MEDICINE® COLUMN

By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

READER’S EXERCISE ROUTINE GOOD FOR HER MIND AS WELL AS HER BODY

Question: A friend of mine said that now that I’ve turned 60 I should slow down and not exercise as much. He said that exercise at my age would wear my body out, and I’d live longer if I stopped playing tennis and running. I exercise three or four days each week for about an hour. I feel fine and have kept my weight close to what the charts in my doctor’s office say are normal. Is there any truth to what my friend says?

Answer: Many people used to believe as your friend does -- that exercise was just for the young. However, doctors now know that it’s very important to continue exercising as we get older. It’s good for your heart, your lungs, your muscles, and your immune system and your overall good health. So, your friend is wrong on that count.

What neither of you might have known, though, is that if you don't maintain fitness as you get older, it may weaken your mind as well as your body. A recent study from the Netherlands illustrates this point. The study pool started with more than 1,400 men from Finland, Italy and the Netherlands. The men -- born between 1900 and 1920 -- were examined in 1990, 1995 and 2000. Then, in 2000, scientists randomly selected about 300 men from those who were still alive and had not shown signs of cognitive impairment in 1990.

The researchers used questionnaires to find out how often these men exercised -- and for how long and at what intensity level. The kinds of activities they engaged in ranged from walking, gardening, bicycling and sports to farming, odd jobs and various hobbies. Next, researchers assessed the men’s current mental functioning. The test used measured such things as orientation to time and place, attentiveness, analytical skills, recall, language skills and visual construction.

Researchers divided the men into four groups based on intensity level of their physical activity. They then compared the intensity level at the beginning and end of the period from 1990 to 2000, and measured cognitive decline over those ten years.

The results supported earlier research showing that even in old age physical activity can benefit the mind. Specifically, participants who had low-intensity activities had three and a half times greater mental decline than those who engaged in high-intensity activities. Further, men who decreased either the intensity or duration of their activities over the ten years had significant declines in their mental acuity.

On the other hand, for the men who actually increased the duration or intensity of their exercise the results were very gratifying. These men had no loss of mental ability over the ten year period. I see no reason these results wouldn’t apply us women as well.

This research shows that any relatively intense activity like brisk walking -- at least three miles per hour -- bicycling, fast-paced gymnastics, or lap swimming can help maintain brain function. I think it’s clear that you are on the right track for both physical and mental health with your exercise program.

Now, to the rest of my readers whatever your age: If you aren’t already active, it’s not too late. Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program, and choose activities that are both fun and provide the appropriate level of exercise.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.