As a child, I greatly enjoyed outdoor activities, particularly spending time with other children in the neighborhood. Weekends were significant occasions when we would gather to play games such as hide and seek, tag, baseball, war, or football, or simply explore the area together. In contrast, it appears that many children today spend their leisure time using phones, iPads, and other electronic devices. While television was available during my childhood, it was typically reserved for inclement weather or times when no one else was available to play outside. Although there are clear advantages to becoming technologically proficient, participating in physical activity offers many benefits.
Numerous studies indicate that engaging in physical activity and adopting healthy lifestyle practices may delay or prevent the onset of dementia (Baumgart, 2015; Blazer et al., 2015; Livingston, 2020; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2021). Research demonstrates that individuals who exercise regularly can be up to 20% less likely to develop dementia compared to those who do not, based on analyses combining results from 58 studies on exercise and dementia.
Transitioning from inactivity to some level of physical activity appears to have the most significant impact on reducing dementia risk. Maintaining regular physical activity during midlife is associated with optimal benefits. Additionally, there is evidence that older adults can also lower their risk of dementia through consistent exercise. For instance, a study examining the daily activity levels of older individuals found that those in the least active 10% were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as those in the most active 10%.
The term ‘physical activity’ typically refers to aerobic exercise (activities increasing heart rate) performed for 20–30 minutes at a time. Most studies address the effects of aerobic exercises undertaken several times a week and sustained over at least a year.
Physical exercise encompasses more than just sports or running; it includes daily activities such as brisk walking, cleaning, or gardening. Notably, one study observed that day-to-day tasks like cooking and washing dishes could help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Cumulative evidence underscores the importance of integrating physical movement into daily routines, regardless of age or athletic ability. Small, consistent actions—choosing stairs over elevators, taking a walk after meals, or participating in community dance classes—can build the foundation for lifelong cognitive health. These everyday movements not only strengthen the body but also foster social interaction, which itself has been linked to improved mental well-being and resilience against cognitive decline.
Moreover, the positive impact of physical activity extends beyond dementia prevention. Regular movement supports cardiovascular health, balances mood, enhances sleep quality, and encourages neuroplasticity—the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and form new connections. In a society increasingly dominated by screens and sedentary pastimes, reclaiming time for physical play and purposeful motion becomes ever more critical, offering protective benefits that ripple through every stage of life.
