Old people experience changes in many ways both psychological and biological. People have varying changes in the brains' function and structure, and similarly, their cognition is not uniform. However, as people get old, the basic cognitive functions are affected such as attention and memory particularly. Studies have shown some elements of memory and attention holds up in aging, but in others, it declines. Although physical activities and exercises are considered to be healthy, some older people are reluctant to involve in any exercise. They have the perception that physical activities will harm them and hence a risky affair. Numerous studies indicate that old people who engage in physical exercises have healthier and flexible brains.
A study by conducted by Baker et.al, (2010) whereby participants who had memory disorders were provided with informed consent. The purpose of this study was to examine whether physical activities and brain training were effective in improving the functions of the brains (Baker et.al, 2010). The exclusion criteria comprised of individuals with the cerebrovascular disease, unstable cardiac disease, and other conditions related to the neurologic, psychiatric and metabolic sequel. A cognitive testing was done between 8 am, and 10 am done for six months. The participants enrolled in stretching and aerobics carried out on the daily routines for 45 to 65 minutes every session for six months.
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The Stroop test was initially developed by Stroop in 1935 to measure cognitive flexibility and attention. The Stroop test examines the ability of people to differentiate between words and labels. The Stroop and word tests were provided to the participants using a computer which had voice keys (Baker et.al, 2010). Color names were displayed on the screen and the color names were later presented in different color for instance green was presented in red font. The subjects were given instructions, and they were to read out the word or the color of the word quickly, and their response latency was recorded. After the end of the study, it was observed that the subjects improved their cognitive abilities due to exercises (Erickson et.al, 2011). The Stroop and word test have proven that exercising is indeed important in improving the brains of the older people. The study indicated that numerous people could be able to read words faster compared to identifying and reading out the color of the writing.
Additionally, a test of memory was also conducted whereby the participants listened to a narrative that covered 44 informational bits, and they were to recall what had been said immediately and 30 minutes later (Baker et.al, 2010). Six months later it was observed that aerobic exercises enhanced the processes of cognitive flexibility, multitasking, information processing effectiveness and selective attention (Erickson et.al, 2011). Based on the study findings I would recommend old people to indulge in physical exercise as well as brain training. I would encourage old people to involve in brain training activities such as playing online games that exercise memory skills, reasoning, and verbal fluency.
In conclusion, physical activities and brain training assist old people to ease stress, improve their general well-being as well as boost their energy levels. Balanced exercises and flexibility are crucial to old people. Various studies have indicated that the parts of the brain responsible for memory and thinking have greater volumes in individuals who exercise compared to those who don’t. Exercises reduce stress and anxiety as well as improving mood and sleep in old people. Problems in these areas contribute or cause cognitive impairment. Hence it is important for old people to be physically active to improve the functions of the brains as well reduce the probabilities of developing stroke, diabetes, and heart diseases. Exercises and brain training alter the brain in ways that promote thinking skills and protecting memory.
References
Erickson, K. I., Voss, M. W., Prakash, R. S., Basak, C., Szabo, A., Chaddock, L., ... & Wojcicki, T. R. (2011). Exercise training increases the size of hippocampus and improves memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , 108 (7), 3017-3022.
Baker, L. D., Frank, L. L., Foster-Schubert, K., Green, P. S., Wilkinson, C. W., McTiernan, A., ... & Duncan, G. E. (2010). Effects of aerobic exercise on mild cognitive impairment: a controlled trial. Archives of neurology , 67 (1), 71-79.
