If you’re over 50 and worried about your memory, there may be a simple solution to help you.

A study at the University of Melbourne in Australia showed that walking for 2-1/2 hours per week can improve the memories of people over 50 years old.

That’s 30 minutes a day 5 times a week.

The effects lasted for the 6-month duration of the study plus up to 12 months after the study was concluded. In the study group, the participants walked for 50 minutes 3 times a week or engaged in other forms of moderate exercise.

Although all of the participants had memory problems, none had actual dementia.

When the study ended, the exercise group had better delayed recall, lower Clinical Dementia Rating Scores, and higher scores on cognitive tests than group members who didn’t exercise.

At this time, there is no medicine that has an equivalent effect.

So the study adds to the evidence that moderate physical activity over 50 can improve your cognitive function, quality of life, and cardiovascular function as well as prevent falls, depression, and disability.

Of course, you should see your doctor before starting any new exercise program. But walking appears to be an easy, cost-effective way to improve your health and your memory, especially if you’re over 50.