Lately I am reading quite a bit about the benefits of walking, and I am walking already quite a bit.

In the latest volume of  COFFEE NEWS I find this quote:

“A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy, but otherwise  healthy, adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.” – Paul Dudley White.

Today I received the August 2011 Age Concern newsletter (Kaitaia and District Incorporated) and in the letter to the question

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT BY STARTING TO WALK REGULARLY?

six answers are given:

1. The risk of Alzheimer’s cut by 60% and more general dementia by 50%.

2. The risk of stroke is cut by 57%.

3. New brain cells emerge (neurogenesis) and new connections are created.

4. The brain becomes sharper and faster – fluid intelligence increases, and so does memory. This counters the usual decrease in these functional capacities with age.

5. Focus and attention increase making concentration easier.

6. Mental health is protected and improved. Walking incrases the production of the three critical neurotransmitters that are responsible for preventing anxiety and depression (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.)