Exercise: Good for the Body and the Mind
Posted on March 20, 2017
We know that exercise is great for physical well-being. But did you know that exercise can also help maintain brain health? As the philosopher Wilhelm von Humboldt once said: “True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united.”
The two are indeed connected. Below are just some of the things exercise can do for your body and mind. Exercise can:
- Enhance mood – exercise has been shown to increase serotonin levels, which are the chemicals in your brain that contribute to improving your mood
- Decrease your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
- Reduce stress
- Improve concentration and your ability to think more clearly
- Improve sleep quality and quantity, which in turn helps your brain function
- Help overall health – exercise can help to improve chronic conditions, blood sugar levels and blood pressure
- Help with digestion and reduce constipation
- Keep your muscles and bones strong and reduce risk of osteoporosis
- Decrease risk of falls – exercise improves balance, strength and endurance, helping you maintain your independence longer
Getting exercise doesn’t mean you have to join the gym. That can help, of course, but here are some other creative ways to fit physical and mental activity into your life:
- Do yoga or Tai Chi for balance and flexibility, as well as mind clarity.
- Go ballroom dancing to stay nimble and light on your feet.
- Exercise at home to age-appropriate exercise videos on YouTube. Learn more at Go4Life® from the National Institute on Aging at nia.nih.gov.
- Learn a new hobby or a new language – active learning can help improve brain function and memory.
- Turn off the TV (more than two hours a day can drain your brain).
- Read, read, read – books, magazines, journals, newspapers, etc.
- Listen to music, like classical or instrumental. Better yet, learn to play an instrument.
- Socialize – visit with friends or family; join a book club, walking group or golf league.
- Download interactive brain game apps to your smartphone.
- Build a jigsaw puzzle or solve crosswords to keep your mind engaged.
- Play with your grandchildren or volunteer as a foster grandparent.
- Volunteer at a local animal shelter, soup kitchen, library or school.
- Reach out to your local library or senior center – they are great resources for information about programs and discounts in your area.
You may have other favorite activities that keep you engaged, so be sure to do what you love to stay physically and mentally fit. Consult your primary care provider before starting any exercise program or if you have any concerns about your health.
Don’t forget about your Wellness Allowance*
We want to help make important lifestyle choices a little easier for you. As a Health New England Medicare Advantage plan member, you have a Fitness Center, Weight Watchers® and Over-The-Counter Items Allowance to help you stay healthy. This is a combined benefit total of up to $150 per calendar year for a fitness center membership, Weight Watchers® program and/or over-the-counter items, which include shower chairs, grab bars, raised toilet seats, automatic blood pressure cuffs, bathtub benches/stools and compression stockings. This allowance is provided as a reimbursement. You must pay for the items or services first and submit appropriate receipts and documentation for reimbursement. Please see the “Additional Benefits” information in your member materials or visit healthnewengland.org/medicare/members.
If you have any questions about an allowance or about any of our plan options, please call our Member Services Department.
*Health New England Medicare Advantage is an HMO Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Health New England Medicare Advantage depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year.
H8578_2017_601 Accepted
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