How to Stay Forever Young – Mobility Training and “Stretching”
Scientific studies and meta-analyses show that consistent physical activity has a positive effect on memory, learning and can even slow down brain death.
But how?
The aging process is accompanied by cognitive degeneration, i.e. a decrease in cognitive functions, which is why older people have worse results on tests of neurocognitive abilities compared to younger adults. However, the effect of training on one amazing phenomenon has been proven – brain plasticity.
Neural plasticity is a term that refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt, that is, to move functions from a damaged area of the brain to other undamaged areas, thereby actually changing its physical structure. The effect of exercise on the brain can be seen in fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) images: increased volume of the hippocampus (the region of the brain associated with memory and learning), improved connectivity of different brain regions (greater abundance and branching of synapses) as well as an overall thicker cortex (cerebral cortex) – especially in areas that involve sensorimotor coordination.
So, by exercising, we directly affect the resilience of our nervous system and protect ourselves from various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. There is no healthy mind without a healthy body and vice versa – this is why it is important to implement training or stretching exercises in your daily life.
If you don’t have the energy or feel that you are not yet ready or able to embark on a more demanding training routine on your own, we advise you to try StretchWell treatment with our therapist. In this way, you can gradually and safely work on your physical as well as mental health.
