Exercise Is Important to Mental Wellness, Too

By Judah Ronch, Ph.D.
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

I had one patient who, after a heart attack, started exercising at a fitness center three to five days a week. He has continued for more than 17 years, partly because he has enjoyed the cardiovascular benefits he has experienced.

He has also found many mental benefits of being with others, something that could be done only in a participatory environment like a fitness center. He would not have experienced the same mental benefits if he was following an exercise tape at home alone.

Having a sense of purpose, a feeling that one’s daily activity and, indeed, one’s life itself, is important and meaningful and adds life to our years, not just years to our lives.

The role of lifestyle in disease prevention has been well-researched. Successful Aging, by Rowe and Kahn, shows that exercise is a crucial part of lifestyle changes that promotes better health among people over age 62. It reduces their risk for a number of diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Besides physical benefits, engaging in mild to moderate exercise has been shown to provide mental health benefits. Mental alertness is enhanced as your blood circulates better and your brain gets more of the oxygen it needs. Depression can also be reduced.

I have seen these results personally among the hundreds of physically active men and women at campuses nationwide developed and managed by Erickson. Among other activities, they participate in aerobics, swimming, walking, Pilates, tai chi, dancing, and equipment- based fitness training.

The old adage “use it or lose it” is an accurate guideline to follow. If you expect aging to be a time of inactivity, you will slow down. You will come to believe your slowing down is a function of age (which you can do nothing about) rather than inactivity— which you can do something about.