Canberra, March 15 (SANA) Living in cities designed to encourage walking may help protect older adults from dementia, according to a new study that highlights the brain benefits of everyday navigation.
Researchers found that simple activities such as crossing streets and navigating between roads can stimulate memory and strengthen spatial skills linked to decision-making and orientation.
The study, published in the British scientific journal Nature Cities, was led by neuroscientist Prof. Govina Poudel in collaboration with researchers from Australian Catholic University.
It found that environments requiring people to use navigation and spatial planning skills help activate key areas of the brain.
The research followed more than 500 people aged between 70 and 90 over a six-year period.
Results showed that older adults living in neighborhoods that are easy to walk around had stronger spatial memory and better orientation abilities. Everyday decisions such as choosing routes and crossing intersections appeared to support brain health.
Previous studies have also suggested that people who frequently rely on spatial memory for navigation — such as taxi drivers before the widespread use of digital maps — were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings underline the importance of designing cities and neighborhoods that encourage walking, which may support both physical health and cognitive function in later life.
N.J
