Bryta featured in Herald Sun VMagazine

Bryta was featured in the Saturday Herald Sun VMagazine cover story "How to live to 100" by Robyn Riley, published on July 13, 2024.

The article explored what it takes to live a long, quality life — covering everything from staying physically active and socially connected to keeping the mind sharp. Bryta was highlighted in a section titled "Bright Lights" as an example of an innovative approach to healthy ageing.

Melbourne physiotherapist Cindy Phan is working with geriatrician Kwang Lim to develop a unique program that trains the brain and body at the same time. Professor Lim is the Clinical Director for Aged Care at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and has a special interest in working with older adults to help them keep physically fit.

Cindy explained that the Bryta program came about because Professor Lim would make recommendations to patients about how to improve their physical and brain health, but there were no physiotherapy-led programs to which he could send them. Together they created Bryta — reaction lights that are programmed to use different parts of the brain and body, to get older adults not only up and moving but cognitively active.

"We've got memory activities programmed and, because they're lights, we can position them so that people are reaching, they're using their legs, they're standing from a chair and running up to the wall," Phan said.

Most participants are aged from 65, with the oldest being 95. "I don't think it is ever too late for people to join," Phan said.