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Physical fitness helps attenuate age-related declines in cognitive function. Discuss. - page 5
Keywords: Physical fitness reduce age-related ageing declines cognitive function. Discuss. brain performacne
By Suzanna on 22/06/2010
Level: Bachelor Honours Degree (BA, BEng, BSc etc)
Page Number: 5 of 12 pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12engagement in cognitively demanding takes, namely intellectual actives, of which exercise does not fall under. Interestingly, this study highlights the problem of studies into physical fitness and cognition in the elderly. If engagement in intellectual activity is a greater determent, where does physical fitness fall? Is it that those who are more intellectual are more likely to engage in physical activity, or does the improved cognitive functioning brought about via physical fitness lead to increased engagement in more intellectually demanding task? An article written by Eric Joyce on elite sports reported:
“Of all UK medalists at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, 80 per cent had attended private schools”
Typically, the fees charged at private schools demonstrate that those who attend private schools are typically wealthy. We can also see from the quote above that physical activity is a major part in private schools. Clearly then, we can see that many sport related activities are costly and so those who have the financial means to engage in it, often do so. Also performance academic performance in private schools if often at the top the league tables as is seen in GCSE and A-levels results. Andel notes
“…the more complex the demand characteristics of a setting, the greater the potential for maintenance and enhancement of cognitive function.”
This shows that those who are wealthy are typically better educated, engage in more sport activities. It is also well-documented that the disciple practised in private schools is much more stringent than is in state schools. Perhaps then, money is a major underlying contributing factor, indirectly, to cognitive functioning.
It is, however, possible that it is the interaction of both, making it circular. Many studies have tried to account for this by self-report questionnaires. Although this is helpful, we cannot ascertain that what participants write is the actual truth, either due to memory or even demand characteristics.
In addition, the study by Allison et al also showed that the benefits of an engaged lifestyle is more prominent in the elderly. They compared the outcome of three groups: young-old (55-64), mid-old (65-74) and old-old (75-94). The outcome showed that the older people showed the highest number significant correlation than the other groups. As this includes physical activity such as sport it may be appropriate to conclude from that study that physical fitness may help to attenuate age related decline cognitive function.
So does physical fitness help to attenuate age
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