Golf and Walking Linked to Boosted Cognitive Function in Older Adults

A recent study in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine reveals that golf, Nordic walking, and regular walking might be the key to boosting cognitive function in seniors. An international team from the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Edinburgh, and ETH Zürich evaluated the impact of these aerobic exercises on 25 healthy older golfers. After participating in an 18-hole golf round, a 6 km Nordic walk, and a 6 km regular walk, all three activities were found to enhance lower cognitive functions in participants. Additionally, Nordic walking and regular walking showed improvements in executive functions. Despite these cognitive improvements, no significant changes were detected in blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cathepsin B (CTSB), which are markers of exercise benefits to the brain. The findings emphasize the importance of consistent aerobic exercise in preserving cognitive function in aging individuals.