Exercise & Brain: Preventing Alzheimer’s , Cognitive Declin
Regular physical activity increases cerebral blood flow, strengthens memory, and enhances cognitive performance. Long-term studies indicate that individuals who maintain consistent exercise habits in midlife are significantly less likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s in later years.
Exercise promotes the growth of neurons and stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports short-term memory and executive function. Aerobic exercise has even been shown to enlarge the hippocampus—the brain’s memory center—in older adults. Additionally, it reduces neuroinflammation and improves mood, making physical activity a key strategy for preserving mental independence in old age.
Stronger Bones & Muscles: A Path to Pain-Free Aging
As we age, muscle loss and osteoporosis become increasingly common. Resistance training, stretching, and weight-bearing exercises help increase bone density and preserve muscle mass. For older adults, regular exercise not only reduces the risk of falls but also supports continued mobility and independence.
Activities such as brisk walking, tai chi, and resistance band workouts are especially effective in preventing fractures. Physical inactivity in old age can lead to weakened joints and a higher risk of injury. Consistent movement improves balance, flexibility, and coordination—transforming the concept of aging into a vibrant, active phase of life. For postmenopausal women, exercise can significantly slow the progression of bone loss.
Exercise & Immunity: Activating Body’s Natural Defense
Mild to moderate exercise strengthens the immune system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, data showed that people with more active lifestyles experienced milder symptoms and fewer complications. Physical activity boosts white blood cell function and enhances the body’s ability to fight infections.
Increased heart rate and breathing improve circulation, allowing immune cells to reach affected areas more efficiently. Exercise also regulates cortisol levels (the stress hormone), maintaining a balanced immune response. A study from the University of North Carolina revealed that just 20 minutes of daily walking can reduce the risk of the common cold by 43%. As such, physical activity is now recognized as a cornerstone of preventive medicine worldwide.
Global Trends & Iran’s Evolving Approach
In many developed countries, physicians have begun prescribing exercise instead of medication for certain chronic conditions. These prescriptions often include weekly fitness plans monitored by healthcare professionals.
In Scotland, mental health prescriptions now include nature therapy and group exercise programs, which foster social interaction and personal responsibility without side effects. Since 2018, the World Health Organization has promoted the policy of “Less Medicine, More Movement” as a guiding principle—advocating for doctors to prescribe motion instead of more medication.
In Iran, there has been a growing acknowledgment of the role of physical activity in public health policymaking. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Iranian Sports Medicine Federation, has launched initiatives such as “Healthy Lifestyle” and “Non-Communicable Disease Prevention through Exercise.” Educational programs in some health centers promote walking, stretching in workplaces, and movement for the elderly.
However, challenges remain: lack of insurance coverage, insufficient specialized trainers, and the absence of formal exercise prescriptions hinder widespread adoption. Municipalities like Tehran have contributed by expanding pedestrian-friendly spaces, installing fitness stations, and launching city-wide wellness campaigns to promote daily exercise culture.
Conclusion
In a world where medications often treat symptoms rather than root causes—and sometimes create new problems—exercise remains one of the safest, most effective, and most affordable tools for both prevention and healing. As this report illustrates, regular physical activity can play a leading role in managing depression, controlling diabetes, preventing cognitive decline, and maintaining general health.
