Learn how to enhance cognitive wellness and stay sharp as you age with The Kensington Sierra Madre in collaboration with AARP for our July 18th event, “Brain Health & Aging”.
This event showcases the AARP’s Staying Sharp program, offering a rich array of resources, including articles, fun games, and interactive activities that support senior brain health.
Rachel Lazarus, PhD, will discuss Staying Sharp, a program from AARP that offers science-based resources related to the six pillars of brain health and other aspects of cognitive aging. The pillars of brain health are based on scientific research that shows a healthy lifestyle protects the brain. Staying Sharp helps you develop meaningful and lasting brain-healthy practices.
Lindsay Chura, PhD, will introduce you to AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH), a collective created by AARP to provide trusted information about how to support brain health. A governance committee of approximately a dozen experts from around the world comprises the hub, and it leads issue specialists in examining priority areas such as physical exercise, cognitively stimulating activity, mental well-being, diet, sleep, stress, social engagement, and supplements.
Embrace this chance to learn new habits and understand more about your cognitive abilities through targeted assessments and lifestyle checks.
RSVP today to join us to see how daily practices can contribute to a more fulfilling, brain-healthy lifestyle in your senior years.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
What is AARP’s Staying Sharp online program?
AARP’s Staying Sharp is an interactive online resource designed to help seniors enhance their mental acuity through enjoyable activities and educational content.
The program’s core premise is straightforward: daily behaviors like nutritious eating, regular exercise, socializing, achieving restful sleep, managing stress, and lifelong learning are key to maintaining a brain-healthy lifestyle.
Accessible through both a website and a mobile app, Staying Sharp makes it easy for seniors to engage with cognitive games, access informative articles, and participate in exercises aimed at boosting brain function.
Key Staying Sharp program features include:
- Memory and attention tests: Simple assessments to gauge your cognitive health
- Lifestyle reviews: Checks to help you optimize your daily routines for better brain health
- Advanced cognitive tests: Additional resources to assess deeper aspects of brain function
- Learning materials: Guides and videos that explain brain health fundamentals
Benefits of the Staying Sharp program
- Rewards: AARP members earn points for interacting with the program, promoting frequent usage.
- All-inclusive approach: The program provides a well-rounded set of tools and information that address various aspects of brain health.
How to get started with Staying Sharp
Access to Staying Sharp is open to everyone, with AARP members enjoying full features:
- Go to stayingsharp.aarp.org.
- Sign in with your AARP account.
- Activate Staying Sharp features.
- Dive into a variety of brain-boosting activities.
Spouses or partners of members can also access the program by being added as secondary members to your AARP account at no extra cost. They will need to use their own email address for registration.
5 top brain-healthy tips for seniors
Maintaining a sharp mind as we age involves more than occasional mental exercises—it’s about nurturing the brain holistically.
Here are practical and effective tips every senior can follow to boost their brain health:
1. Eating for brain power
- Include brain-boosting foods such as fatty fish, nuts, blueberries, and dark chocolate. These foods are rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins that support cognitive function and reduce inflammation.
- Stay hydrated to help maintain cognitive function and overall health.
2. Staying physically active
- Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, such as walking, swimming, or light aerobics, to enhance blood flow to the brain and improve memory and mood.
- Balance and coordination exercises like Tai Chi should be considered to help prevent falls and improve mental focus.
3. Engaging in mental stimulation
- Challenge your brain with puzzles, games, or learning a new skill or hobby. This can include anything from Sudoku to playing a musical instrument, which keeps the brain active and reduces the risk of cognitive decline.
- Read regularly or join a book club to stimulate imagination and strengthen brain connections.
4. Maintaining social connections
- Keep in touch with family and friends through regular meet-ups, calls, or social media, which can boost your mood and ward off depression.
- Participate in community activities or volunteer to stay socially active and mentally engaged.
5. Getting quality sleep
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, as good sleep helps consolidate memories and clear toxins from the brain.
- Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine and ensure your sleeping environment is comfortable and free from distractions.
How to prevent brain aging
Preventing brain aging involves a combination of medical guidance and lifestyle choices that can help enhance your cognitive longevity.
Brain aging is influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. To slow down this process, focus on interventions that protect and enhance brain function.
Key preventative measures for brain aging:
- Optimize heart health: Since the brain depends heavily on blood supply, maintaining cardiovascular health is necessary. Regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure and cholesterol can prevent damage that may lead to cognitive decline.
- Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods: Chronic inflammation can affect brain health. Include anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and omega-3 fatty acids in fish such as salmon and sardines.
- Maintain mental stimulation: Continuous learning and mental challenges can stimulate neuroplasticity. Engage in activities like puzzles, art, reading, or learning new skills to keep the brain active.
- Regular physical activity: Exercise improves heart health and increases blood flow to the brain. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
- Social engagement: Social interaction stimulates the brain and can reduce the risk of dementia. Maintain an active social life by participating in community activities or regularly interacting with friends and family.
- Get adequate sleep: Sleep plays a critical role in brain health by clearing toxins accumulated during the day. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can impair brain function and structure. Meditation, mindfulness, and regular physical activity can help manage stress effectively.
What to avoid for brain health
Certain habits and lifestyle choices can significantly hinder brain health and cognitive function. Here are key things to steer clear of:
- High sugar intake: Excessive sugar can impair cognitive abilities and increase the risk of cognitive decline.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: While moderate drinking might have some health benefits, heavy alcohol use is harmful to brain cells and can accelerate cognitive decline.
- Smoking: Smoking tobacco is detrimental to overall health and particularly harmful to brain function, contributing to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity reduces blood flow to the brain and can lead to poorer cognitive function over time.
Stay sharp with The Kensington Sierra Madre
The Kensington Sierra Madre stands out as a leading assisted living and memory care community helping those with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
We invite you to tour our beautiful community and learn more about becoming a part of our family at The Kensington Sierra Madre
Don’t miss out—check out our events page to sign up for upcoming events and witness the Kensington difference.