Boost Brainpower with Exercise at Any Age
Review study finds nearly all physical activities at all life stages offer brain health benefits.
Motivate clients by sharing with them that regardless of age, moving more offers health benefits for the brain. Virtually all types of exercise, especially low- to moderate-intensity exercises like Tai Chi, yoga and active video games, may significantly improve brain function across all age groups, according to a review study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2025; doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108589). Researchers from the University of South Australia (UNISA) evaluated findings with 258,279 participants in 133 systematic reviews and 2724 randomized controlled trials. Children and adolescents showed the greatest improvements in memory, while people with ADHD saw the biggest gains in executive function.
“Exercise has a profound effect on physical health, but we also know it benefits brain function. What this study confirms is that even low-intensity exercise, like yoga or walking, can improve cognition, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities,” says lead researcher Ben Singh, PhD, postdoctoral research in Population and Digital Health at UNISA.
“We also found that mind-body exercises, like Tai Chi and yoga, had the most significant impact on memory, while exergames, such as Pokémon Go, were highly effective for general cognition. This is an encouraging finding, as it suggests that engaging, low-impact activities can offer real cognitive benefits.” Age is not a barrier to improving brain fitness through physical activity.
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
