Yes, we have all heard the song, but how many of us actually do that much walking. How often do we jump in the car to go to the shops, or visit a friend round the corner, even though we know that is both bad for our health and the environment. And with all the snow we have at the moment, people are probably even less inclined to walk short distances.
Well, according to a recent article in the Independent there is now another reason we should walk more. Healthy people who walk at least six miles a week have bigger brains, better memories and improved mental function according to a study. Among older people showing signs of forgetfulness, walking even five miles a week – a daily 20-minute trip to the shops – slowed the progression of their condition.
Now we already know that walking is an ideal form of exercise for maintaining physical fitness and warding off heart disease. But now scientists have found that it can maintain mental fitness and ward off Alzheimer’s disease as well. A 10-year study of more than 400 elderly people found that greater amounts of physical activity were associated with greater brain volume.
Dr Cyrus Raji, of the department of radiology at Pittsburgh University who led the study, explained that volume is a vital sign for the brain. When it decreases that means brain cells are dying. But when it remains higher brain health is being maintained.So yet another reason why we should be thinking about integrating walking more into our everyday lives. And probably something we should try and think about when we are on holiday too! I know we might like the idea of just lying on a beach or by the pool, but actually walking more on holiday shouldnt be as hard as we think.
Obviously, there is the hard core option of a walking holiday somewhere like Italy or Holland (at least it is flat). But a sightseeing holiday can involve lots of walking too. For example, when you are visiting New York or Venice, make sure that you have good maps with you so that you can explore the city by foot rather than jumping in a cab or gondola
Hope that helps, or at least provides another excuse to go on holiday!
