Adapting to new things, especially in the physical world, strengthening the visual-motor-kinesthetic circuits in your brain, can make an enormous difference in fending off cognitive decline. Even just ten minutes of slow walking every day has long-term benefits for your body and mind. And if that’s not possible, do what you can. “I have a two-story house and a very bad memory,” says Betty White (age ninety-seven), “so I’m up and down those stairs all the time. That’s my exercise.”
