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For years, the medical community has emphasized that being active makes you happier and healthier. But new research suggests that even everyday tasks, like walk regularly and doing household chores, could help keep you and your brain young.

That’s the main takeaway from a new study from Pennsylvania State University that examined the health impacts of daily physical activities. But how can walking slow aging and how can you add more steps to your day? Here’s what you need to know.

What did the study reveal?

For the study, published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine In October, researchers asked 204 participants to answer a few questions on their phones each day. During the nine-day study, subjects checked in six times a day, approximately every 3.5 hours.

During reporting, participants indicated whether they had been physically active since their last recording, categorizing exercise as light, moderate, or vigorous. (Walking was considered a “light” activity, while hiking was considered “vigorous,” BTW.) After that, subjects were asked to play two brain games that examined their cognitive processing speed and memory of work.

The researchers found that when people were physically active, even slightly, at some point in the past 3.5 hours, they had processing speeds equivalent to someone four years younger.

Does walking slow cognitive decline?

It’s hard to say for sure, since this is only one study. However, research suggests that any type of exercise, including walking, could give your brain a regular boost, which could help it stay youthful.

“Our results suggest that practicing daily physical activity, regardless of its intensity level, may have short-term acute beneficial effects on cognitive health and indicate potential new targets for intervention,” concluded the researchers in the study.

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Daily movements like walking “can have a direct impact on cognitive health” Jonathan Hakun, Ph.D.assistant professor of neurology and psychology at Penn State and the Penn State College of Medicine, said in a statement statement.

What are the health benefits of walking?

You can get a lot of health the benefits of walking. While this form of cardiovascular exercise is doable for most people, it also involves baring weights, which can help promote good health. bone density And mobility.

Research has also shown that walking can improve your mood, improve your heart health, and reduce your risk of developing diabetes. A study I even discovered that it can help you live longer.

How can I add more walking to my day?

The best way to add more walking to your day is to simply aim to increase your number of steps– however, you don’t need to do a ton at once. It may help to try to do more activity when you can, such as taking the stairs or walking to a friend’s house rather than driving there. You can even just take a walk in the morning or evening to try to get in a few steps.

Ultimately, do your best: as this study points out, any activity is good for your brain!

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