The unfortunate irony for many aging individuals is that while they could benefit a lot, both physically and mentally, from exercise, many are not physically able to do so. Enter “cybercycling,” a virtual fitness program that’s had some promising outcomes, including improved mental sharpness in aging adults.

Researchers had a group of seniors ride on a stationary bike equipped with a monitor that depicted a real-life scene, complete with obstacles, scenery, and more. Participants rode for 45 minutes three times a week. Those who participating in the “cyber” cycling showed better physical and mental health than individuals who simply road a stationary bicycle without the virtual reality monitor.

From the article:

The findings suggest that even elderly people who might be physically limited may benefit from some types of exercise that are linked to a virtual world in which they can interact with their environment. Among the study participants, Anderson-Haney says the cybercycles became more popular than the traditional stationary bikes, and that the subjects were motivated by trying to beat ghost riders in their virtual world.

Want to learn more? Check out “Virtual Exercise Games Help Elderly Remain Mentally Sharp” from TIME.

If you’re like millions of other Americans, your resolution earlier this month might have been to get healthier, either through better eating, more exercise, quitting a bad habit, or all of the above. If so, EPOCH in Pittsfield, Mass., has the perfect event to keep you motivated through the winter doldrums. Motivation to Move on the 25^th will outline to ways we can remain active, and the benefits of doing so, through inspiring videos, photos and personal stories. For these another great events at EPOCH this week, keep reading.

Expert’s ‘Motivation to Move’ talk kicks off EPOCH campaign

PITTSFIELD—Physical therapist Ross Davis, director of rehabilitation with Gentiva Healthcare, will deliver a talked entitled “Motivation to Move” at EPOCH Assisted Living at Melbourne on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 2:30 p.m. This talk is part of EPOCH’s “It’s All About You” series, a campaign focused on senior health, safety, privacy and related topics throughout the year. In Motivation to Move, Davis will discuss the benefits of remaining active through inspiring videos, stories and photos. This talk is free and open to the public, but a reservation is requested. Call 413-499-1992 to R.S.V.P. or for more information. EPOCH is located at 140 Melbourne Road.

Click 'Read more' to see more events.

The term brain fitness reflects a belief that our mental abilities can be maintained and even improved by exercising the brain, much in the way physical fitness improves the body with exercise. EPOCH Senior Living was the first in New England to add a brain fitness program for its residents several years ago. EPOCH offered a program developed by Posit Science, based in San Francisco. The Posit program translates neuroscience research into non-invasive computer-based training programs designed to improve memory and sharpen focus.

We all know we should exercise regularly. Knowing it, though, doesn’t make it happen. It seems there are new studies and reports every week about how exercise decreases the likelihood of this disease or that cancer. We know the benefits – improved health, better mood, longevity, and plenty more – but many still struggle to find the time or motivation. It can be particularly challenging for seniors, who face more physical limitations as they age. If there was ever a reason to finally commit to an exercise routine, though, this is it.

Thousands of Americans deal with heart disease and the complications it can cause. For many, regular exercise is prescribed as a way to keep the condition under control. But should one exercise as they did prior to their diagnosis?