Everyday movement may help protect the aging brain
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Research suggests that staying physically active may help protect the brain as we age. In a cohort of 1,557 adults with an average age of 75, those who regularly engaged in activities like walking, dancing, swimming, or gardening tended to show less brain shrinkage compared to those who were less active. These everyday habits can support blood flow to the brain, maintain cognitive function, and contribute to overall brain health over time.
Source
Wan, L., Molina-Hidalgo, C., Crisafio, M. E., Grove, G., Leckie, R. L., Kamarck, T. W., Kang, C., DeCataldo, M., Marsland, A. L., Muldoon, M. F., Scudder, M. R., Rasero, J., Gianaros, P. J., & Erickson, K. I. (2025). Fitness and exercise effects on brain age: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of sport and health science, 15, 101079. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2025.101079
Additional Reading
https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/daily-rituals-keep-your-brain-healthy-while-you-age