Researchers from Northeastern University have observed that as people age, they tend to become less physically active due to various reasons such as loss of muscle mass and strength, as well as mobility issues. However, they propose that changes in brain functioning may also play a critical role in this decline, notably around the age of 49, when many individuals begin to abandon exercise.
In their study published in the Journal of Gerontology, they analyzed data from the Cambridge Center for Aging and Neuroscience, utilizing self-reported physical activity data and brain imaging through MRI. The researchers employed statistical techniques to determine the age at which the relationship between age and physical activity diverged. They found that the brain’s ability to predict physical activity behavior could partly explain the reduction in exercise levels.
Timothy Morris, an assistant professor in physical therapy and rehabilitation sciences, emphasizes that multiple factors—including social, environmental, familial, and economic—affect physical activity engagement. Recent research highlights the importance of executive functions, such as focus, planning, and goal-setting, in decision-making regarding exercise. This includes cognitive processes like multitasking, working memory, and self-control.
Central to these findings is the "salience network," a group of brain structures that help us respond to specific environmental stimuli. This network involves regions like the insula and the anterior dorsal cingulate cortex and serves as a mindfulness moderator, continuously vigilant of surroundings. Part of this network is linked to inhibitory control—the ability to manage automatic impulses, a vital aspect of maintaining physical activity.
The study suggests that aging alters the salience network, leading to decreased physical activity. Morris indicates that this network not only correlates with lifetime physical activity but also mediates the negative relationship between age and activity. Consequently, if brain changes indeed foster a decline in exercise, maintaining physical activity becomes increasingly challenging as one grows older.
Morris stresses the necessity of encouraging individuals to stay physically active starting in midlife to safeguard cognitive resources that support an active lifestyle. He underscores a cyclical relationship where physical activity benefits the brain, and a healthy brain, in turn, enhances one’s capacity to remain active.
In conclusion, the research underscores the complex interplay between brain functioning and physical activity, suggesting that proactive measures to encourage exercise in midlife could counteract potential declines associated with age, ultimately fostering both physical and cognitive health.
