Exercise is known to have many long-term benefits. For example:
- Running increases bone density
- Regular exercise helps you protect yourself against colds, flu, etc.
- Your risk of diabetes decreases when you exercise often
A recent study found that the benefits of regular exercise may extend beyond physical benefits; it may have long-term mental benefits as well. A sub-study of the Northern Manhattan study found that people who don’t exercise have a steeper decline in cognitive processing speed and episodic memory as they age when compared to those who did not exercise on a regular basis. The study followed individuals for five years. The degree of decline in the non-exercise group was equal to change expected after 10 years.
Exercise is becoming a common treatment for people with mild to moderate depression. The body releases endorphins while exercising, which is the body’s own natural anti-depressant and other neurotransmitters, like serotonin, which can lift an individual’s mood.
This latest study confirms the theory that regular physical exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health.