Walking Linked to Better Memory and Attention

A leisurely stroll isn’t just good for your body. It may be good for your brain, too.

In a University of Illinois study, researchers followed 65 adults, ranging in age from 55 to 80. There weren’t any star athletes in the group. In fact, some of them couldn’t walk more than 100 meters when they started. But they started small — a 40-minute stroll, three times a week, for six months — and they kept on going.

As you’d expect, that half a year of walking made the participants feel a little fitter and a little faster. Those easy strolls even built up their brain connectivity.

That’s important, because one of the signs of aging is a loss of coordination between regions of the brain, like the ones that control multitasking, decision-making and problem-solving. But after just six months of walking, participants experienced big improvements in connectivity. Their memories were also sharper and their attention was more focused.

See more about how a Daily Walk Gets Brain Functions Moving Along the Right Path.

_{This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide any expert, professional or specialty advice or recommendations. Readers are urged to consult with their medical providers for all questions.}