Longevity is the result of a dynamic relationship between health, cognition and social abilities. Accordingly, training modifiable risk factors such as physical activity (e.g. balance, coordination and muscle strength), different cognitive abilities (e.g. working memory, attention, executive functions), as well as social abilities is fundamental to daily life and wellbeing. In this talk we will present a series of trainings aimed to improve memory and wellbeing in older adults. We will present two training interventions. The first is a training based on a dual interaction of cognitive tasks and physical exercises with older adults in a virtual environment aimed to stimulate functional activities and promote social interactions as well as aid adhesion to and maintenance of training programs by increasing motivation. The second is a modified version of the method of loci, a mnemonic device that relies on spatial relationships between "loci" (e.g., locations on a familiar route or rooms in a familiar building) to arrange and recollect memory content to evaluate the efficacy of a computer-based memory training intervention on older adults by measuring its ability to improve memory performance and promote wellbeing. We also aim to evaluate the added value of remote interaction in delivering trainings, by potentially increasing compliance and maximizing memory effects, providing a basis for a potential translation into a home experimenter-supervised program.
In general, results suggest both specific effects related to different training programs and more general benefits on subjective health, underlining the suitability of such strategies in promoting successful aging and wellbeing.