Crossword puzzles and brain teasers have long been touted as ways to keep the mind sharp. But a new study points to another strategy that may matter just as much: staying fast on your feet.
Researchers have found that people in their 80s who maintain an exceptionally quick walking pace, dubbed “super movers,” are also far more likely to stay mentally sharp compared to their slower-moving peers of the same age.
Indeed. It seems like a correlation. I’ve noticed some older people in my life really slow down and they don’t notice but they don’t do stairs without a handle and hold on getting into car and that sort of thing. Strength and nervous system are all reducing.
I suspect it’s easier to quantify and notice physical performance. Maybe easier to excuse forgetfulness, difficulty/refusing to learn a new gadget or app, or just getting out of practice with communication. And, as always, you can’t use an impaired brain to evaluate the brain’s impairment.