According to a recent long-term University of Pittsburgh study, daily hikes may significantly decrease your risk for dementia. The study, reported in the AARP online journal, showed that those who walked on a daily basis, had a nearly 40% decreased risk of developing dementia.
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| The Colorado Trail provides as little or as much hiking as you could possibly want. |
So what does this have to do with trails and trailsnet?
It seems to imply that if you are a trail junky, you are probably decreasing the likelihood of developing dementia in your later years. Although the study was limited to measuring the walking habits of its participants, it is likely that exercise in general, and specifically a regular habit of low-impact exercise is going to pay big benefits in the long run.
So if you’re in the south, jump on the Longleaf Trace trail. If you happen to reside in the northeast, bike on over to the Great Allegheny Passage trail. Those of you in Colorado, hoof it to the Platte River Trail and … well you get the picture. Exercising doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. Find a beautiful trail and get lost in your thoughts and the glory of nature.
Have fun and protect your memory at the same time.
2 comments
Is dementia the same as Alzheimer's? When I read articles like this, it makes me glad I'm a biker, and a runner, and a hiker.
Is dementia the same as Alzheimer's? When I read articles like this, it makes me glad I'm a biker, and a runner, and a hiker.