We know walking is good for us. And we know a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is also beneficial, and recommended, for good health.
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Now, researchers at the University of South Australia are looking into the benefits of older Australians combining the two.
In particular they are exploring the effects of combining the Mediterranean Diet with daily exercise.
A Mediterranean diet is high in fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fish, while being low in saturated fats, red meat and alcohol.
In a recent press release, UniSA researchers expressed their confidence that combing the Mediterranean Diet with exercise can help stave off dementia, slowing the decline in brain function that is commonly associated with older age.
In the world-first study, researchers at the University of South Australia and Swinburne University, along with a consortium of partners, have begun exploring the health benefits of older people adhering to a Mediterranean diet while also undertaking daily walking.
Termed the MedWalk Trial, the two-year, $1.8 million study funded by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) aimed to recruit 364 older Australians - aged 60-90 years, living independently in a residential village, and without cognitive impairment.
Lead UniSA researcher and Associate Professor Karen Murphy said combining the dietary benefits of the Mediterranean Diet with the health benefits of an exercise intervention could deliver significant benefits.
"Dementia is a condition that affects a person's thinking, behaviour and ability to perform everyday tasks," Associate Professor Murphy said. "While it is more common in older Australians, it's not a normal part of ageing.
"In Australia, around 472,000 people are living with dementia. Each year it costs the economy more than $14 billion, which is expected to balloon to more than $1 trillion over the next 40 years. While there is currently no prevention or cure for dementia, there is growing consensus that a focus on risk reduction can have positive outcomes.
"That's where our study comes in. Early pilots of our MedWalk intervention show improved memory and thinking in a sub-group of older participants adhering to a combination of Mediterranean diet and daily walking for six months.
"We're now extending this study across a broader group of older Australians, using carefully designed behavioural change and maintenance strategies in the hope of substantially reducing the incidence of dementia across Australia."
Participants' changes to diet and walking will be supported through organised and regular motivational, dietary and exercise sessions.
Head of Neurocognitive Ageing Research at Swinburne's Centre for Human Psychopharmacology and chief investigator, Professor Andrew Pipingas, said the trial was about trying to prevent the onset of dementia.
"As it's extremely difficult to find a cure and treat those in the later stages of the disease, focusing our efforts on helping those at risk of developing dementia to stay healthy is one way to ensure Australians stay well in future," he said.
Send your health and fitness news to r.valentine@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Renee Valentine is a journalist, qualified personal trainer and mother of three.
