A new study suggests that aerobic exercise not only improves physical health for the elderly, but mental ability as well.

It has long been held that taking part in activities that involve mental exercise – puzzle solving, playing bridge – is vitally important for mental flexibility in old age. Likewise social activity can act as a buffer against cognitive decline.

However it’s now been recognised that physical exercise plays a very important role in maintaining mental agility as we age. Data from the study found that people who were physically fit showed improved memory function; it also had a positive impact on mental abilities in tasks requiring a number of thought processes (driving for instance).

The authors of the report concluded that the report indicated regular exercise benefited brain activity, however more rigorous investigation was required.