Whether individuals lace up their sneakers and take a walk around their neighborhood or strap on a helmet and ride a bicycle, they are taking steps that will keep them physically fit. While most people know that exercise can help them keep their weight down and heart healthy, they may not realize what impact physical activity can have on their brain.

Based on new research from the University of Edinburgh in the U.K., individuals over the age of 70 may be able to prevent brain shrinkage by exercising. When there is a reduction in the size of the brain, people may encounter thinking and memory problems, which is why the researchers' findings could be vital to older adults.

During the study, researchers analyzed the MRI scans of nearly 700 individuals, as well as the level of exercise they engaged in. They learned that subjects who were over 70 and exercised regularly possessed more gray matter and had fewer damaged areas in their white matter.

"Increasing physical activity - even a short walk each day - can only be encouraged," said Alan Gow of the University's Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, who led the research.

If older adults have increased their exercise routine and are curious to see how it is affecting their brain, they may want to consider an IQ test.