Fit People Have Brains 8 Years Younger Than Expected, Brain Scans Show
Scientists used advanced brain scans to study 125 people and found those who stayed physically fit their whole lives had brains that looked decades younger. The most active people had brains up to 8 years younger than expected for their age.
National Institute on Aging researchers scanned the brains of 125 people to study how fitness affects brain aging. They used advanced MRI technology to estimate brain age based on structure and appearance.
The results were dramatic. People who maintained high fitness levels throughout their lives had brains that looked decades younger than their actual age. Those with multiple healthy lifestyle habits showed brains up to 8 years younger than expected.
The brain benefits held true even for people living with chronic pain, suggesting fitness can protect brain health regardless of other health challenges. Scientists believe exercise helps slow brain tissue decline and keeps brain function more youthful.
This adds to growing evidence that the brain remains capable of change throughout life. Previous research focused mainly on whether fitness could help already-declining brains, but this study shows it can keep healthy brains younger for longer.
The research reinforces that exercise affects the body systems that help people function, connect with others, and navigate daily life.
This research shows exercise might be one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy as you age. It suggests the brain can actually change and stay younger through fitness, even if you have chronic pain or other health issues.
More research will likely examine which specific types of exercise provide the most brain benefits.
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