Older adults who rise and shine early every day may have sharper minds and fewer depression symptoms, a new study suggests.
The researchers found that U.S. adults aged 65 and older who typically got up early — before 7 a.m. — then stayed active throughout the day performed better on tests of memory and thinking than their peers with less “robust” daily routines. They were also less likely to have significant depression symptoms.
The findings do not prove that an active lifestyle prevents mental decline or depression, experts said.
But based on a body of research, it’s likely the relationship goes both ways, said lead author Stephen Smagula. He is an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh….