Yeah, long term health is a good motivator if you can focus on it. I'm 56 now and didn't think much about it until about four years ago. I rode for fun, and I was glad about getting the benefit I got but that wasn't what got me on the bike. Now I'm more committed to cycling and other exercise, because I figure it's likely to make a difference in my long term health. Unfortunately, many of us don't think this way until we're of a certain age.

I visited the emergency room (for something that turned out to be minor) three years ago. The medical personnel said I was in unusually good condition. I managed to get to that condition without any time carved out for exercise, just because I enjoy cycling. Now I realize I better not stop.