Fascinated by attempting a brand new exercise that trains each the physique and thoughts? Orienteering, a sport wherein contributors discover their means round a pre-set out of doors course utilizing nothing however a map and a compass, could be simply the factor. Not solely is it enjoyable, it affords explicit advantages for older adults.
The game, which is rising in recognition, stresses exercising navigation abilities — which some research present assist enhance reminiscence and studying in folks of all ages. Add in the advantages of time in nature, socializing and targeted pondering, and orienteering might assist our minds preserve and construct neural connections in ways in which different sports activities don’t.
In a 2023 research specializing in the exercise, 158 adults between ages 18 and 87 had been surveyed about their reminiscence. About 70 p.c of them had been orienteers, with the remainder being bodily lively individuals who didn’t orienteer. The respondents with orienteering expertise reported higher spatial navigation, a elementary cognitive talent. And this might imply good issues for getting older brains: One of many areas of the mind most impacted by getting older is the hippocampus, which is concerned in reminiscence and studying, two essential issues for spatial navigation.
Orienteering additionally has different nice advantages, together with a powerful social component. The game is loved by folks of all ages, with native teams obtainable nationwide providing completely different talent stage and age groupings.
Be taught extra about orienteering and find out how to become involved, go to this text on Staying Sharp.