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HEALTH & WELLNESS AUGUST 28, 2026 | The Indian Eye 42

30 Minutes of Exercise Help MSC World Asia

to Introduce
Keep the Brain Sharp: Study Expanded

Wellness

egular physical activity may do Experience
more for the brain than simply
Rimproving fitness, with experts
pointing to aerobic exercise, strength SC Cruises’ new flagship,
training and mind-body workouts as MSC World Asia, is set
useful tools for supporting memory, Mto introduce an expand-
focus and overall cognitive health. ed wellness offering when it begins
Recent research cited by Wom- Mediterranean sailings in Decem-
en’s Health suggests that even rela- ber 2026, bringing a wider range of
tively modest amounts of exercise fitness, spa and relaxation facilities
can produce measurable cognitive to the cruise experience. The ship is
benefits. scheduled to begin seven-night itiner-
A 2025 meta-review involving aries from December 4, 2026, calling
about 258,000 people found that at destinations including Barcelona,
low- to moderate-intensity exercise, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for
including sessions lasting less than 30 Rome, Messina and Valletta.
minutes twice a week, was associated A key feature will be the MSC
with improvements in general cogni- Aurea Spa, which will include a large
tion, memory and executive function thermal area and a range of treat-
within one to three months. ments designed around relaxation
Aerobic activities such as brisk and recovery. The wellness pro-
walking, running, cycling and swim- gramme is expected to go beyond
ming appear particularly useful for Researchers therefore increasingly For adults, widely used physi- conventional spa services, with facil-
cognition and memory. Experts say suggest combining different forms of cal-activity recommendations call ities and therapies including dry flo-
these activities can improve blood exercise rather than relying on a sin- for at least 150 minutes of moderate tation, whole-body cryotherapy and
flow and cardiovascular fitness, while gle workout style. aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vig- infrared treatments. Personalised
regular exercise may also influence The benefits may not require orous activity each week, alongside services will also form part of the of-
brain chemistry and inflammation. lengthy daily gym sessions. Experts muscle-strengthening activity on two fering, with skin and scalp analysis,
Strength training may offer a cited by Women’s Health note that days. foot biomechanics assessments and
different set of benefits, including even a short period of activity can Exercise, however, is only one consultations intended to help guests
support for overall cognitive func- temporarily improve attention and part of protecting brain health. Ad- tailor their wellness routines.
tion and mental control. Meanwhile, mental performance, while consis- equate sleep, healthy eating, stress The ship will also feature a mod-
mind-body exercises such as yoga tent exercise appears more import- management, social connection and ern fitness area equipped with Techn-
and tai chi have been linked with ant for maintaining cognitive health mental stimulation also contribute to ogym equipment, functional training
improvements in focus and learning. over time. long-term cognitive wellbeing. spaces and instructor-led classes. The
panoramic gym will allow passengers
to maintain their exercise routines
AI expands patient capacity for while travelling, while dedicated re-
laxation areas will provide opportu-
healthcare professionals nities to unwind between activities.
The thermal facilities are expect-
ed to include several distinct experi-
ences, such as saunas, steam rooms,
rtificial intelligence is increas- healthcare professionals and 2,004 71% of clinicians reported improved a snow room, a Himalayan salt room,
ingly helping India’s health- patients, with the surveys conducted workflow efficiency through AI-en- sensory showers, whirlpools and
Acare professionals manage between February and April 2026. abled tools. The technology is in- relaxation areas. The ship will also
larger patient loads, with 71% saying The report also found growing creasingly being used to support de- offer adult-only Zen pools, adding
AI has increased their capacity to confidence in AI’s potential to im- cision-making, streamline workflows quieter spaces alongside its broader
see more patients, according to the prove healthcare outcomes. About and create more time for patient in- recreational facilities.
Philips Future Health Index 2026. 85% of Indian healthcare profes- teractions. The wellness focus complements
Among those reporting an increase, sionals said AI could improve pa- The findings suggest that AI is MSC World Asia’s wider leisure of-
clinicians said they were able to see tient outcomes, up from 76% in the shifting from an emerging technol- fering. The ship will have seven pools
a median of 10 additional patients a previous year’s report. In addition, ogy to a practical support system in and 13 whirlpool baths, including the
week. 80% believed AI could help expand healthcare. indoor Coral Cove pool with a re-
The findings are based on access to quality healthcare in un- Philips said responsible imple- tractable glass roof and the outdoor
Philips’ 2026 Future Health Index, derserved and rural communities. mentation, combined with human Manila Bay pool. The expanded well-
which surveyed more than 2,000 AI is also being credited with clinical judgement, will be critical ness facilities reflect the cruise indus-
healthcare professionals and over reducing the administrative burden to ensuring that productivity gains try’s growing emphasis on combining
20,000 patients across 10 countries. on healthcare workers. Globally, translate into accessible, efficient leisure, fitness and personal wellbe-
In India, the study covered 200 the Future Health Index found that and higher-quality patient care. ing during holidays at sea.

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