Transform your TV from couch potato buddy to your health buddy! It’s possible, according to a new study recently published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Medical News Today http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240476.php reported on the results of a new study. The article said that the study “reveals that virtual reality-enhanced exercise called ‘exergames,’ which combine physical exercise with computer-simulated environments and interactive videogame features, can achieve a greater cognitive benefit for older adults than traditional exercise alone.”

Although previous studies have proven that exercise can possibly prevent or delay dementia and improve cognitive functioning, only 14% of people 65-74 years old and only about 7% of people over age 75 exercise regularly.

With the video game exercise programs, participants engage in physical exercise while attending to other aspects such as competition, avoiding obstacles and determining routes. Participants can take part in the indoor activity without the fear of actual physical harm should a mistake be made. The bicycle may crash on the screen, but they won’t be harmed – besides, perhaps, a little bruised ego!

The study was actually completed with participants being residents of independent living facilities using a specially outfitted exercise bike – the conclusion being that exergaming that includes interactive physical exercise with cognitive exercise may provide greater benefits than traditional exercise options. It could add cognitive functioning benefits as well as the physical benefits – all for the same exercise, just done in a little different way!

There are lots of gaming systems out there with a wide variety of exercises and activities. You don’t have to just cycle. You can play all sorts of sports games: baseball, tennis, canoeing – even hula-hooping. If you aren’t sports-minded, you can play other games that are equally as interactive such as balance, dance or step games.

The best part is that you can use the games solo in your own living room or with a group of friends.

Living in a community like Westminster Village http://www.wvwl.org/ means there are always lots of people around who would be interested in joining you. Everyone wants to be healthy, and what better way to stay that way than by having fun with friends?

Posted by Elaine W., WV Blog Team