The question of what causes dementia is a complex one and new research is being published all the time - but one recent study from the US potentially adds to an understanding of how sitting in a sedentary position can impact on the risk level.
Research by the University of Southern California and University of Arizona has suggested that while sedentary behaviour is riskier than being active, there is a notable difference for people over the age of 60 depending on what they do while sitting down.
On the one hand, those who carry out more active pursuits such as reading, using a computer or operating a device will use their brains and hands more and face a lower risk of cognitive decline, whereas a low-level activity like watching TV will increase it.
This may have significant implications for older people, whose cognitive health could be maintained by being active even while sitting down, something less mobile people will need to do anyway in later life.
How to stay active
Indeed, the link between physical and mental health is stronger than some may imagine; staying active in later life not only helps people remain as mobile as possible and accomplish more tasks, but boosts self-esteem and mood.
Combined with good diet and nutrition, a more active retirement, even in a care home, can help people make the most of the later years of their lives.
Even if you do find yourself confined to a chair for a prolonged period of time because of mobility issues, you can still be active in some regard.
There are lots of gentle sitting exercises that can be done to help improve mobility and strength, preventing falls and reducing the risk of injury.
Chest stretches, for example, can be easily achieved and really help improve your posture. Simply sit upright and away from the back of the chair, then pull your shoulders back and down while extending your arms out to the side. Push the chest up and forward until you feel a stretch.
Or try hip marching to strengthen your hips and thighs, while improving flexibility. Here, just sit upright without leaning against the back of the chair. Hold onto the sides of the chair and lift one leg with the knee bent, as far up as is comfortable. Lower your foot back down on the floor with control. Repeat on the other leg.
Of course, these are only a couple of suggestions for staying active and helping to reduce the risks of dementia as you age. If you need any further help or advice, get in touch with the Cleeve Lodge team today. | 
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