Riding makes you smarter

[Colette]

Stolen from another forum, but worth the read:

Motorcycles help keep you young: software expert

TOKYO (AFP) — Riding motorcycles helps keep drivers young by invigorating their brains, the scientist behind popular "Brain Training" computer software said Wednesday, citing a new scientific study.

"The driver's brain gets activated by riding motorbikes" in part because it requires heightened alertness, Ryuta Kawashima said after his research team and Yamaha Motor conducted a string of experiments involving middle-aged men.

"In a convenient and easy environment, the human mind and body get used to setting the hurdle low," he warned. "Our final conclusion is that riding motorcycles can lead to smart ageing."

Kawashima is the designer of "Brain Training" software, which incorporates quizzes and other games and is available on the Nintendo DS game console under the name "Brain Age" in North America.

A self-professed motorcycle fan, 49-year-old Kawashima cited a new study conducted jointly by Yamaha and Tohoku University, for which he works.

One experiment involved 22 men, all in their 40s and 50s, who held motorcycle licences but had not taken a ride for at least a decade.

They were randomly split into two groups -- one asked to resume riding motorcycles in everyday life for two months, and another that kept using bicycles or cars.

"The group that rode motorbikes posted higher marks in cognitive function tests," Kawashima said.

In one test, which required the men to remember a set of numbers in reverse order, the riders' scores jumped by more than 50 percent in two months, while the non-riders' marks deteriorated slightly, he said.

The riders also said they made fewer mistakes at work and felt happier.

"Mental care is a very big issue in modern society," said Kawashima. "I think we made an interesting stir here as data showed you can improve your mental condition simply by using motorbikes to commute."

[Saki]

repost!

But always true none hte less!

[Colette]

repost!

But always true none hte less!

Twice in as many weeks...sorry (again!) people

[Saki]

repost!

But always true none hte less!

Twice in as many weeks...sorry (again!) people

haha! hows the 6 going col?

[Colette]

Good thanks, Nick

Trust me, the irony of the post's title is not lost on me...
(Riding makes SOME people smarter)

[Ratmick]

I have a bike in the shed, which sometime I stare at wistfully and pretend that maybe (just maybe) I might take out for a ride (sometime).

Does this make me smarter, or just a sad bastard? I'm guessing the latter, otherwise I'd already know the answer to that question.

Mick

[Strika]

Ba humbug! It's not just riding bikes that makes you smarter! Excess' of drugs and alcohol also make you smarter!!! It's true!!! .........................Here's my theory!

When you drink/take drugs.........the alcohol/drugs, kill brain cells right? Well.......I reckon......... it's like the darwin theory......................the survival of the fittest. And what happens is the weak brain cells die first, leaving the stronger, smarter brain cells intact, thus making you smarter!

[HappyPants1029]

Hahaha. I tried reading this article to my dad and he said I should put on a helmet and beat my head on the wall and when I regain consciousness in two days to see if I'm any smarter... he doesnt want me buying a motorbike... anyway this article is great I'm posting it everywhere!

[dutchy]

Ba humbug! It's not just riding bikes that makes you smarter! Excess' of drugs and alcohol also make you smarter!!! It's true!!! .........................Here's my theory!

When you drink/take drugs.........the alcohol/drugs, kill brain cells right? Well.......I reckon......... it's like the darwin theory......................the survival of the fittest. And what happens is the weak brain cells die first, leaving the stronger, smarter brain cells intact, thus making you smarter!

'cheers' to that!!

[Gosling1]

I think this article is spot-on......I still feel 18 every time I throw a leg over the seat.....