As we age, our brain's structure and function gradually decline, leading to a decrease in cognitive abilities. But what if there was a way to slow down these changes? Recent research has shown that an active lifestyle, particularly regular physical exercise, can have a positive impact on cognitive function and psychological health. The science behind this lies in the complex interactions between physical activity and the brain's neural mechanisms.

The brain's health is often linked to the integrity of myelin (a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers) and the volumes of white and gray matter. An active lifestyle helps protect these structural aspects of the brain. Moreover, physical activity affects global synchrony in the brain, a phenomenon where different parts of the brain coordinate their activity. This synchrony is reflected in resting-state networks, which have been widely studied to understand the brain's functional organization. Age-related changes often lead to a reduction in network specialization, but physical activity can mediate these changes, enhancing functions like executive functioning (skills that allow us to plan, solve problems, and attend to specific tasks) and sensorimotor adaptation (the ability to adjust to changes in the body or environment, like walking on uneven ground).

The study's findings are drawn from a large, population-based sample, making the conclusions more applicable to a broader group. By examining the relationship between age, physical activity, functional networks, cognitive function, and sensorimotor adaptation, this research sheds light on how an active lifestyle can be a key to maintaining brain health and cognitive vitality across the lifespan.