Physical exercise and computer use both associated with less cognitive impairment.

Senior residents of Olmstead County, MN who reported getting any amount of moderate exercise and used a computer at any point in the previous year were 64% less likely to have mild cognitive impairment compared to those who reported neither of those activities. This is the first study to explore the combined effects of physical activity and computer use, which could be indicators of a disciplined and healthy lifestyle.

PositiveTip: Daily physical activity and mental stimulation could help keep your body and mind spry!

Moderate exercise reduced the onset of arthritis symptoms in women age 72-79 by 46%.

The Australian Longitudinal Study of Women followed two groups of women (ages 48-55 and 72-79) for three years who had reported no arthritis symptoms. Those exercising 1.5 hours per week experienced significantly less arthritis symptoms, and 2.5 hours per week showed an even greater preventive effect. Moderately active middle age women reduced their risk by 29% while the older age group reduced it by 46%.

PositiveTip: The older we get the greater the benefit of exercise. It helps prevent arthritis symptoms and aids in better management of the pain and stiffness.

Volunteering in schools improves seniors' health, especially those with poorer health.

Seniors who volunteered in elementary schools teaching children to read for 15 hours a week for 9 months, were found to have better physical condition than before volunteering. Those in fair health prior to volunteering improved the greatest, with improved strength and energy, walking speed and stair-climbing.

PositiveTip: Volunteering to help others improves both mental and physical vitality of seniors.

New exercise guide for seniors. It's free!

You read and hear it everywhere: we all need more physical activity! Have you wondered how to get it and what to do? The National Institutes on Aging (NIA) has updated its very popular exercise guide for those over 55 years of age. It is also applicable for those younger as well--you will reach 55 some day!