It’s a fact – holidays help us age well! Particularly if they involve travel to somewhere new. A study out last week is the latest in a line of studies showing that all work and no play make us dull, tired, and old before our time. I’m not sure we needed a study to tell us this. With three books out this year, I’ve been travelling constantly – meeting new people, speaking (ahem- stuttering) in foreign languages, getting lost in unfamiliar towns, and grappling with trains and planes that may or may not turn up. This is excellent for the brain.
This latest report from Australia’s Edith Cowan University suggests that travel could benefit those with (or at risk of) dementia, explaining that ‘being in new environments and having new experiences’ provides ‘cognitive and sensory stimulation.’
The study author, Dr Wen, also pointed out that ‘travelling often involves enhanced physical activity, such as more walking,’ Er yes, especially when the train doesn’t turn up! When any of my transport was delayed I used it as an excuse to walk: instead of sitting and waiting, I paced.
Whether or not you have a change of scene planned this summer, I’m going to suggest two items for your suitcase which will radically change your experience for the better, and are backed by recent science.
The first item is a pocket sketch book (or a block of Post-it notes) and a pencil with a rubber. Drawing something has been shown to set it in our memories. When we sketch a scene – regardless of whether we think our picture is any good – we double our ability to recall it later. Researchers think this is because the brain uses multiple pathways: visual, kinaesthetic and cognitive. Medical students are now told to draw during lectures, so that they can better recall human anatomy.
According to one study, drawing was found to ‘enhance memory in older adults more than other known study techniques.’
Sketching is active rather than passive, it forces us to engage fully with what we’re experiencing. As our hand struggles with the pencil, as we scrutinise the object of our sketch, as we ponder how to create an image, our brain makes numerous synaptic connections. Good for the brain, good for our memory. And good for our mental health too.
Scientists are still trying to understand how making art changes our brain, but the interdisciplinary Arts and Neuroscience Networking Group, think that it ‘enhances brain function by impacting brain wave patterns, emotions, and the nervous system.’ It also lowers the amount of stress hormones swilling around us and raises our levels of feel-good serotonin. It improves our ability to focus and it helps us process emotions. What’s not to like?
There’s a chapter on sketching and walking in my book, ‘52 Ways to Walk’, should you want more of the science. But if you want help getting started (yes, drawing can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before), I recommend ‘The Green Sketching Handbook’ by Dr Ali Foxon which is full of practical tips. Incidentally, I also carry a miniature watercolour set, but a couple of watercolour pencils or crayons, or a stub of charcoal will also work. Dr Foxon suggests we experiment with various media… further fuel for the brain!
So. The other item for your suitcase… a pair of walking poles! I wrote about the benefits of walking poles recently. But last week another report appeared in my in-box adding to the evidence. This study looked at people with coronary artery disease – the most common type of heart disease and still the biggest killer in the US. The group was separated into three – one did 12 weeks of Nordic walking (that’s walking with poles), one did 12 weeks of High Intensity Interval Training (walking that sped up and slowed down), and one did 12 weeks of Moderate Intensity Continuous Training (moderately brisk walking without poles). All were beneficial, of course. But the Nordic Walkers fared best of all: ‘Those in the Nordic walking group experienced the most benefit because Nordic walking increased functional capacity the most…. Poles [can] enhance improvements in walking capacity, increase energy expenditure, engage upper body musculature, and improve other functional parameters such as posture, gait, and balance.’ So says Dr Chip Lavie.
To celebrate summer, we’ve got a give-away over on Instagram (@agewellproject). We’re offering a copy of Dr Foxon’s ‘Green Sketching Handbook’ and a copy of ‘52 Ways to Walk’ for one lucky winner.
Happy holidays!
Annabel
I think pole walking for older people also has the benefit of increased stability and confidence. I suffer from a little vertigo and having a stick really helps on uneven country walking. So far I have only used an old walking stick but I will get some Nordic poles as they look a bit trendier than an old walking stick!
Indeed – they help with balance, stability and confidence …. I love mine!
Hi Annabel
Absolutely loved your 52 Ways to Walk, I’ve bought as gifts for friends also. Prior to COVID lockdown I was learning Nordic Walking with a group. Life took over (terminal father, mother dementia and care home). However, I will make a determined effort to go back to Nordic Walking towards end of summer. I did try to get back into by myself but have appeared to have lost my rhythm for it. I’m lucky to live in Shropshire where there are beautiful walks on my doorstep so I do get out and walk as when possible. Thank you for making a book about walking in such an intriguing way – it certainly got my friends (who are mostly still townies) thinking more about this.
Delighted to hear this – thank you so much! Yes Shropshire is one of my favourite places to walk – the land of Mary Webb! I’m sure there’s a Nordic walking group nearby – otherwise just grab a pair of trekking poles and head off! Good luck! Annabel
I’m reading yr book at the moment and loving it. Your research backs up so much of what I know to be the joys of walking and pinpointing each thing separately focusses my steps.
Thank you Liz – yes I think the body often knows many of the answers! Science merely proves it… which might give us the confidence to listen a little more closely to our bodies (possibly)! Annabel