Mahatma Gandhi was a dedicated pacifist, but he was hardly passive. His 240-mile, nonviolent Salt March in 1930 gave impetus to the Indian independence movement. And his habit of walking everywhere inspired The Mahatma Gandhi Health and Peace Walk - a New York-based public health initiative. Their motto? In His Footsteps For Your Health.
Being passive, on the other hand, is not good for the brain or body. Hours of passive living, say watching more than the recommended daily 60 minutes of "The Dr. Oz Show" (to get great tips for getting and staying healthy) is a prime-time example of this.
A new study in JAMA Psychiatry reveals that folks with the most passive lifestyle and most hours of TV viewing as kids and young adults have the lowest cognitive function when middle-aged, especially when it comes to executive functioning (decision making, insight, evaluation) and processing speed (quick thinking). In other words, vegetating dumbs you down. But moving around and exercising improves brain health. It boosts mood, insight, understanding, problem solving, memory and much, much more.
So if you think a senior moment is decades away from you, think again - if you're not movin' and groovin' on the joys of physical activity. Grab a buddy, a pedometer and start walking; aim for 10,000 steps total a day and sweat for 20 minutes three times a week. Spend 30 minutes 2-3 times weekly doing strength-building exercises. If you can jump 40 times a day, do it! Your brain (and hips) will thank you.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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