Computers and exercise for seniors
New research by the Mayo Clinic concluded that "mentally stimulating" activities such as computer use, when combined with moderate exercise, appeared to help people 70 and older stave off cognitive impairment. Credit: iStock
When people talk about "computer memory," they usually mean chips and processors. But for older folks, computer memory may include neurons and synapses -- as long as they exercise.
New research by the Mayo Clinic concluded that "mentally stimulating" activities such as computer use, when combined with moderate exercise, appeared to help people 70 and older stave off cognitive impairment. In addition to computer use, activities such as reading, playing music and partaking in social and artistic endeavors also were considered mentally stimulating. The study defined moderate exercise as, among other things, brisk walking, aerobics and golfing.
The study, which appears in the current issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, looked at people ages 70-93.
