We’ve previously posted a number of links in Health > Physical Exercise about the value of physical exercise, and more information about that value just keeps rolling in. And it’s not just physical benefits provided by exercise —- the second part of this post describes cognitive benefits from exercise. So choose some form of fairly intense exercise, and get with it!

☞ Exercise In Old Age: Preserve The Immune System & Muscle Mass

Two recently reported studies show that serious exercise into the 80’s can maintain an immune system similar to a 20-year old’s, and can also significantly reduce loss of muscle mass. Here are two media articles about the studies:

How exercise in old age prevents the immune system from declining

A lifetime of regular exercise slows down aging, study finds

And here are the two original studies:

Major features of immunesenescence, including reduced thymic output, are ameliorated by high levels of physical activity in adulthood

Properties of the vastus lateralis muscle in relation to age and physiological function in master cyclists aged 55–79 years

☞ Exercise To Delay Cognitive Decline

In the last several years, a number of studies have shown that typical cognitive decline due to aging can be delayed by exercise. Here are a links to a number of media articles dealing with groups of the research studies:

Intensive Exercise May Delay Cognitive Decline by 10 Years

xercise May Slow Down Brain Aging By 10 Years: Study

Taking The Stairs Can Slow Down Brain Aging: Study

Exercise May Slow Brain Aging by 10 Years for Older People

Exercise might slow rate of mental decline by 10 years for older people

Study: Exercise may slow mental decline by 10 years

Intensive Exercise May Delay Cognitive Decline by 10 Years

Here are links to the research articles:

Leisure-time physical activity associates with cognitive decline. The Northern Manhattan Study (Abstract)

Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Cognitive Aging in the Northern Manhattan Study

Differences between chronological and brain age are related to education and self-reported physical activity

Effect of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia: A Systematic Review

All the links mentioned in this post have been added to both

Health > Physical Exercise and Aging.