We already know exercise is good for our hearts, muscles and bones. But for women after menopause, there may be another important reason to get moving. New research from Rutgers University suggests aerobic exercise may improve some of the thinking skills we rely on every day.
During menopause, many women talk about feeling like they have brain fog. They might notice forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, or feeling like their brain just isn’t quite as sharp as it used to be. Now, this research says one of the things that may help is surprisingly simple, and it has to do with getting your heart pumping.
A new study says postmenopausal women who do aerobic exercise show greater improvement in something called executive function, which is essentially our brain’s management system. It helps us stay focused, plan and organize, and switch between tasks.
So the key is to get your heart pumping with aerobic exercise like walking briskly, biking, swimming, or even dancing.
Start where you are. Start slow and gradually increase your time and intensity. Choose something you actually enjoy so you’re more likely to stick with it. You don’t need to punish your body to get the benefits. The goal is consistency and progress.
Study participants saw results in just three months that continued to strengthen after six months.
And remember, your brain isn’t the only reason to move. Aerobic exercise also supports cardiovascular health, stamina and overall physical health.
This was a relatively small study, but the results add to growing evidence that physical activity is one of the lifestyle factors we can control as we think about protecting our health as we age.