Declining physical activity may signal cognitive changes in older adults

Summary: As people get older, moving less might be an early warning sign of memory loss. A 17-year study of over 2,500 adults aged 50 and older found that those whose memory declined faster spent less time doing light activities, like walking or chores. They also sat around more.

People with better memory got about 1.6 to 2.3 extra hours of light activity each week. Experts used to think that not exercising caused memory loss. Now, they believe it works both ways: losing memory skills can make it harder to plan and do daily activities. Doing simple, fun activities like gardening or walking is a great way to stay healthy and active.

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