How The Oldest Of The Old Stay Cognitively Sharp, Study Reveals

The wise tale goes if you don't stop moving, you'll never stop moving, speaking to the longevity benefits of exercise. While movement as a general category is a great place to start, research has begun exploring the best forms of exercise for those energetic super-agers. 

One new study suggests a combination of exercise philosophies to improve cognitive performance for those 85 or older. To come, the favorable workout plan.

Strength training & cardio combination supports healthy brain aging

The researchers used self-reported questionnaires from 184 cognitively healthy participants (53% women) to evaluate exercise patterns. Then, those adults completed cognitive tests evaluating skills in coding, information processing speed, letter- and word-based tests, and cognitive flexibility.

When compared with those who were sedentary or involved in just strength training or only cardio, the combination came out on top in terms of cognitive performance.

This doesn't mean strength training and cardio are the only beneficial combination, as the adults participating in some kind of movement scored higher than those in the sedentary groups, reiterating the importance of general activity. 

But still, why would these be the ideal modes of exercise? Well, according to previous research, strength training can elicit alterations in various neurometabolites linked to the preservation of brain health while also augmenting muscle functional characteristics in the brain2, which can support sensory, motor, and cognitive functions.

Cardio, on the other hand, activates a molecule in the brain called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which has been shown to improve cognitive performance in mice3. 

Other ways to support brain longevity

It's no secret that engaging in cardio and strength training after the age of 85 can be difficult and inaccessible for many people. So, here are more ways to support your brain as you age:

The takeaway

A study found that cardio and strength training combined were beneficial for improving cognitive performance in adults 85 or older.