While we've known for some time about the many long-term benefits of exercise, new research shows aerobic exercise also may have considerable effects on aging and brain health in the short term. A new study says exercise can help older adults improve their memory and overall cognitive health as they【C1】______. Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth studied a group of 37 adults ages 57 to 75【C2】______inactive lifestyles. They were【C3】______two groups, one control group and one physically active group. The fitness group spent one hour a day, three times a week, either bicycling or jogging【C4】______the course of 12 weeks. Each participant was【C5】______before, after and halfway through the study on their overall brain【C6】______and the fitness level of heart and blood vessel. At all three checkpoints, the group that was physically active was found to have higher blood flow in the brain and also improved memory. Researchers【C7】______this to increased blood flow in certain regions of the brain concerning memory. "Science has shown that aging【C8】______mental efficiency and memory decline is the number one cognitive【C9】______of older adults," lead author Sandra Bond Chapman said in a statement. "This research shows the【C10】______benefit of aerobic exercise on a person's memory and demonstrates that aerobic exercise can reduce both the biological and cognitive【C11】______of aging." There are hundreds of benefits of exercise at any age【C12】______. for older adults, the affects are especially astonishing. Another study in 2006 showed that exercise not only improved brain performance but【C13】______increased brain volume in older adults. Researchers say the best part about the【C14】______findings is that aerobic exercise is low-cost and accessible to anyone,【C15】______is packed with benefits. Exercise can help lower blood pressure, help【C16】______your hormone levels, and even shorten hot flashes. But to【C17】______maximum benefits from an exercise regime, Chapman says it's important to also get plenty of mental stimulation. "To think we can【C18】______and improve the basic structure of the【C19】______brain through aerobic exercise and complex thinking should【C20】______us to challenge our thinking and get moving at any age," Chapman said.