Older people still need sunbathing

The habit of sun exposure not only helps us be smarter when we get older, but also helps older people prevent memory impairment.

Scientists from Manchester University (UK) explore the ability to remember and process information of more than 3,000 men aged 40-79. The study was conducted at 10 medical centers in Europe. Participants are tested for memorization, speed of information retention. Scientists also recorded their level of physical activity and mood. Later, volunteers' blood samples were analyzed to assess vitamin D levels.

The results showed that men with high blood levels of vitamin D spend more time on sunbathing. Their memory capacity and information processing speed are much higher than those with low blood levels of vitamin D.

'Many previous studies on the relationship between vitamin D and the ability to think in adults have found conflicting results. To increase the level of accuracy, we conducted research with a large number of subjects. In addition, we take into account factors related to neurological activity such as depression, excitement, level of physical activity , " said David Lee, lead researcher.

Vitamin D is produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It also exists in oily fish and some other foods. This vitamin helps cells absorb calcium so it plays an important role in bone development.

According to Lee, the positive relationship between vitamin D concentration and information processing speed is more pronounced in men over 60 years old.

Scientists do not know exactly the mechanism of action of vitamin D on neural activity. Lee said vitamin D has the ability to protect nerve cells in the brain. However, the research team emphasized that people should not sunbathe too long, because that habit could lead to skin cancer.

Many previous studies have also shown that regular exposure to sunlight and eating oily fish makes the amount of vitamin D in the human body increase.