This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Explain how exercise may improve mental health in seniors. ... (Read 57 times)

vinney12

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 586
Explain how exercise may improve mental health in seniors.

Question 2

Explain why exercise does not offset the detrimental effects of cigarette smoking.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

macybarnes

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 312
Answer to Question 1

Aging often results in the reduction of the size of the hippocampus, a brain region associated with memory. When that happens, memory decline can occur. The hippocampus begins to decrease in mass by 0.5 each year beginning as early as age 40. Recent studies have shown that regular physical activity, aerobic exercise, and strength-training increase the size of the hippocampus and decrease the rate of brain shrinkage. Maintaining a high level of fitness in mid-life can reduce a person's chances of developing Alzheimer's by 50 and dementia by 60. Even becoming physically active later in life can produce measureable gains in the weight of the hippocampus after just a few months of training.

Answer to Question 2

Smoking greatly decreases the ability of the blood to transport oxygen to working muscles. Oxygen is carried in the circulatory system by hemoglobin, the iron-containing pigment of the red blood cells. Carbon monoxide, a by-product of cigarette smoke, has 210-250 times greater affinity for hemoglobin over oxygen. Consequently, carbon monoxide combines much faster with hemoglobin, decreasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Chronic smoking also increases airway resistance, requiring the respiratory muscles to work much harder and consume more oxygen just to ventilate a given amount of air. If a person quits smoking, exercise does help increase the functional capacity of the pulmonary system.




vinney12

  • Member
  • Posts: 586
Reply 2 on: Aug 5, 2018
Great answer, keep it coming :)


FergA

  • Member
  • Posts: 352
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
Excellent

 

Did you know?

When Gabriel Fahrenheit invented the first mercury thermometer, he called "zero degrees" the lowest temperature he was able to attain with a mixture of ice and salt. For the upper point of his scale, he used 96°, which he measured as normal human body temperature (we know it to be 98.6° today because of more accurate thermometers).

Did you know?

Prostaglandins were first isolated from human semen in Sweden in the 1930s. They were so named because the researcher thought that they came from the prostate gland. In fact, prostaglandins exist and are synthesized in almost every cell of the body.

Did you know?

Hyperthyroidism leads to an increased rate of metabolism and affects about 1% of women but only 0.1% of men. For most people, this increased metabolic rate causes the thyroid gland to become enlarged (known as a goiter).

Did you know?

During pregnancy, a woman is more likely to experience bleeding gums and nosebleeds caused by hormonal changes that increase blood flow to the mouth and nose.

Did you know?

The tallest man ever known was Robert Wadlow, an American, who reached the height of 8 feet 11 inches. He died at age 26 years from an infection caused by the immense weight of his body (491 pounds) and the stress on his leg bones and muscles.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library