In the News: All about Brain Health, Including Exercise

A powerful new interactive series fromThe New York Timesis shining a spotlight on one of the most important — and hopeful — topics in healthy aging:brain health.

The series offers five days of challenges that help people test their knowledge, learn about brain-healthy foods, explore workouts, play cognitive games, and even schedule important health appointments.

In a companion video, reporterDana G. Smithexplains a simple truth backed by decades of research:

“Practicing basic healthy behaviors, like eating nutritious food and getting regular exercise, is the best way to enhance your brain power and protect the longevity of your neurons.”

Neurologists consistently emphasize one factor above all others:exercise.

Research linking physical activity to brain health spans decades, and the evidence keeps getting stronger. Exercise helps repair damaged brain cells, grow new neural connections, reduce the risk of memory loss and dementia, and support long-term cognitive health.

The most important takeaway:challenge your muscles and raise your heart rate regularly.

An Idea That Keeps Getting Stronger

The connection between movement and brain health isn’t new — but the science behind it keeps deepening.

“Exercise is No. 1 when we’re thinking about the biggest bang for your buck,” saysGregg Day, a neurologist atMayo Clinic.

Regular exercise improves:

• Memory

• Attention

• Decision-making

• Focus

• Emotional regulation

Researchers explain that movement increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients while helping clear harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease. It also supports brain cell repair and the formation of new neural connections.

NeuroscientistKirk Ericksonexplains it simply:

“All of this is essentially allowing your brain to age more slowly than if you’re physically inactive.”

These benefits matter even more as we age. Areas of the brain responsible for learning and memory naturally shrink over time — but consistent physical activity has been shown toslow that decline.

Keeping It Hopeful and Simple

There is no “perfect” workout for brain health — onlyconsistent movement.

The best exercise is the one you enjoy enough to keep doing:

• Strength training

• Walking

• Swimming

• Dancing

• Cycling

• Yoga

• Jogging

They all support brain function.

Strength training adds even more benefits for seniors:

• Improved balance

• Better bone density

• Joint protection

• Mood improvement

• Fall prevention

• Increased confidence

• Greater independence

And there’s another powerful factor:community.

TheU.S. Surgeon Generalhas declared that loneliness and social isolation are as harmful to health as smoking cigarettes. Sadly, isolation is especially common among older adults.

At Desert Fitness Collective, seniors don’t just train their bodies — they build friendships, routines, accountability, and support systems that protect both mental and cognitive health.

The Bottom Line for Senior Brain Health

You don’t need to memorize neuroscience to protect your brain.

The evidence-based takeaway is simple:

Regular exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect brain health as we age.

You’re not just investing in:

• muscles

• balance

• posture

• strength

• mobility

You’re investing in:

• memory

• focus

• independence

• emotional health

• cognitive longevity

• quality of life

Talk with your healthcare provider.
Talk with us.
And if you’re considering a gym, remember — you’re not just training your body.

You’re training your brain, too.

At Desert Fitness Collective, we help seniors build strength, protect cognition, and stay independent with safe, structured, and supportive programs designed specifically for adults 65+.