If you have to spend part of your weekend doing housework, it might improve your memory and your fitness. Especially if you are over 65. This is the hypothesis of the authors of a scientific study published this week. A study read for us by Geraldine Zamansky, journalist for the Health magazine on France 5.
franceinfo: Is it serious? Cleaning your windows or making dust would be really good for your health ?
Geraldine Zamansky: What the authors of this Singapore study found is that older people who spend more time cleaning up their homes have, in short, healthier brains and bodies.
At this stage, they do not dare to assert the existence of a direct cause and effect link, but it does not seem impossible to them. Because they followed 489 volunteers who took tests to assess their ability to concentrate and their memory on the one hand, and their physical form on the other. And the over 65s who dedicate a lot of housework win it hands down.
So, does that mean that housework can be considered a good physical activity?
Be careful, researchers do not advise giving up walking, for example. But all the same, for this team, it is not a coincidence that a person over the age of 65 who stays in his sofa has poorer results on the tests of balance or speed to get up from a chair. , than the one who often performs so-called “heavy” tasks, such as vacuuming or cleaning windows.
Because these activities require a whole set of muscles and a certain coordination. In other words, it can be a real beneficial stimulation. But I have to be honest, the study doesn’t show this link among those under 65. No doubt because it is an age where the general “basic” condition varies less depending on the cleaning carried out.
So we understand well for the muscular state, but what is the link with the brain?
There would be several types of interactions. First, physical activity improves the functioning of our heart, blood circulation, and therefore improves oxygenation of our brain, which can function better. Then, cleaning requires planning, special attention, if you handle something fragile for example. And all of this would stimulate our neurons in different ways.
In the study, heavy household chores are thus associated with higher attention spans, while more specifically, better memory is found in those who mainly do so-called “light” assignments, such as dusting or ironing.
So no worries for those who can no longer do the most physical missions, everything could be positive. And above all, it is a beautiful invitation to share the household fairly, to share the benefits!