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Monday, September 6, 2010

Marge Engelman

Marge Engelman, PhD

Marge Engelman, PhD

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The author of Aerobics of the Mind , Marge has a B.A. in Sociology, M.A. in Religious Education, M.S. in Environmental Design and a PhD in Adult Education. She has taught "Aerobics of the Mind," Creativity in Aging," and "Improving Your Memory" to groups in retirement centers, senior centers and adult day care centers. She has lectured throughout Wisconsin and at national meetings on topics related to learning in the later years.

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For Healthy Body, Health Brain - Keep Moving

"My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. Now she's 97 years old and we don't know where she is."

"I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks. Haven't lost a pound. Evidently you have to show up."

We joke about getting exercise. Perhaps we are uneasy when we contemplate what that might mean for us.

These days report after report proclaims that physical exercise is a key component of a healthy body. Research is mounting that keeping the body moving helps the brain stay in better shape, which is not surprising since the brain is an integral part of the body. How's that for a no brainer?

So what does the research say? In a 5 year study of people ages 65 and older, Canadian researchers found that those who exercised vigorously at least 3 days a week were up to half as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and 40% less likely to suffer other symptoms of mental decline as their sedentary counterparts. Now there's a motivator to exercise.

Fred Gage, working at the Salk Institute in LaJolla, California says that knowing humans can make new brain cells has changed everything. Until several years ago, it was believed that the brain could not generate new neurons.

In research labs, adult rats exercising on a running wheel were building new brain cells at an incredibly faster rate than sedentary animals. Now researchers are racing ahead to get clear proof that exercise can multiply brain cells in humans and that they improve memory. Dr. Marian Diamond at Berkeley, California, who has spent more than 30 years studying the human brain, asserts that she is certain mental and physical exercise will grow new brain cells and dendrites in humans.

Walter M. Bortz II, M.D., a leading expert in the field of health and aging, asks the question, "What happens to your brain when you exercise?" Among other things, he says that exercise prompts the release of adrenaline, a very potent brain stimulant. He reports on an experiment done in North Carolina that showed a brisk six-week walking program increased the cognitive abilities of older adults by 7.5%. Wow, exercise may increase your IQ!

Researchers are also finding biological evidence that exercise can help the brain on other fronts. For instance, animal studies are determining that exercise prevents the negative effects of chronic stress on the brain and boosts the brain's biological battle against infection.

As you already know my "big thing" is to exercise your mind. At 74 years of age, I am equally convinced that physical exercise is crucial. An active mind and active body go together. I'm committed to walking two miles every day, rain/snow or shine, and Yoga exercise 2 or 3 times a week. Plus, there’s also biking, snow shoeing, canoeing and working in the garden. Oh yes, and cleaning the house.

With all this good news about physical exercise, I usually query the groups I speak to about AEROBICS OF THE MIND, "How many in the audience get good physical exercise that gets your blood stirring at least 2 to 3 times a week?" I am amazed to find only about one third to one half of those present, often less than that, raise their hands. I don't know if you would raise your hand, but my wish for you is that you will be convinced of the importance of exercise. You will walk, take the stairs, stretch and move in whatever ways you can, and you will do it daily. It's never too late. Your brain will thank you.

Here's a suggestion:

If you are a non-exerciser, begin by walking a few blocks today, tomorrow walk a little further and the third day even further. Before you know it you will notice the cobwebs vanishing from your brain and you will feel healthier and happier.

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