Take Up Cycling as a Hobby. It Might Literally Save Your Brain.
Take Up Cycling as a Hobby. It Might Literally Save Your Brain.
If you needed another reason to dust off your old ten-speed, here it is: cycling could help save your brain from dementia.
Interesting research but very early stages. There's a good chance that this isn't really specific to bikes, but more generally applies to the benefits of people enjoying hobbies and a good quality of life translating into a better psychological state, which is known to affect health outcomes in a myriad of ways specially related to brain function and hormones.
Interestingly, the data also shows that mixed-walking is associated with reduced dementia as well... and I find it a bit confusing that the authors are lumping driving and public transit together in the nonactive category because public transit usually involves a good deal of walking too without people categorizing it as a walking mode of transport.
Beyond separating public transit from driving, I think major factors to control for are: 1) how often these non-commute activities happen; and 2) what's the stress level of that transportation mode. With those three things in mind I think it would clarify why would walking be associated with worst outcomes than nonactive...
Strange story.
as a hobby
So drive for fun rather than just as a mode of transport?
Just remember to wear your helmet.
No, thanks.
Also, people cycle a lot in the Netherlands and it has one of the world's highest rates of dementia 🤷♂️
what's wrong with wearing a helmet?
They did not say there was something wrong with wearing a helmet.
I've always wondered why people driving a car do not wear a helmet. Or just walking around in the city. There is no question that it would save lives!
Vice is not a legitimate source of information unless they are getting high as fuck and documenting it. They are pretty good at that.
Wait, this is a recent article? I (and Wikipedia) thought Vice has stopped publishing articles? (I aslo dimly remember them being bought by someone terrible but looks like I'm confusing that with something else)
I loved bicycling as a kid. I don't think I can find an under 100 dollar bike these days though.
Craigslist or Marketplace. Get a 90s mountain bike in your size. Start riding. Join a cycling club/social group. People are always changing bikes, and would be happy to let an older one go for a decent price.
It CAN be an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve been riding my $200 Craigslist special for about 1200km this year and I haven’t spent a penny on it.
Bike co-ops exist too! Check your area
Seconding bike co-ops, especially for people who don't know much or are intimidated by bike maintenance. The people who work at these places are always super eager to help you get on a good bicycle for cheap!
Find a used single speed, they need minimal maintenance and have fewer moving parts.
Used bikes on Craigslist, get a chromoly 3x7 from a reputable brand. They are super cheap, reliable, and versatile. My main commuter is just an old Trek 820 MTB with some minor upgrades I've made over the years.
Nobody who reads Vice has this problem.
Why is Vice still a publication?