Join us at Kensington Place Redwood City for a wonderful opportunity to embrace a brain-healthy lifestyle through AARP’s renowned Staying Sharp program.
This engaging program was designed to help you establish habits that significantly benefit senior brain health.
At our “Brain Health & Aging” event, we’ll help you explore interactive learning resources, enjoy stimulating games, and take advantage of cognitive assessments designed to enhance your mental acuity.
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.
RSVP today to join us for this virtual event on July 18th from 12:30 – 1:30 pm PDT!
Discover how integrating simple daily activities into your routine can lead to a healthier, more enriching life as you age.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Overview of AARP’s Staying Sharp program
Staying Sharp is an engaging online program from AARP that offers fun games, practical tests, and valuable information to help seniors keep their minds sharp.
This program is built on the idea that everyday activities like eating well, exercising, meeting friends, sleeping properly, managing stress, and continuous learning can significantly improve brain health.
The Staying Sharp program is available on a website and as a mobile app, making it easy for older adults to access brain games, read articles, and try out new activities supporting cognitive health.
Program features include:
- Cognitive assessments: Tests that help you check your memory and attention levels.
- Lifestyle check-ins: Opportunities to review and improve your daily habits.
- Additional tests: More in-depth tests to explore other cognitive skills.
- Educational content: Articles and videos that explain the science behind brain health.
Benefits of Staying Sharp
- Incentives: AARP members receive reward points for engaging with the content, encouraging regular use.
- Comprehensive support: The program covers all aspects of brain health, from nutrition to mental exercises, providing a holistic approach to maintaining cognitive abilities.
How to sign up for Staying Sharp
Anyone can register for free to access some features of Staying Sharp. If you’re an AARP member, you can access the full suite of tools and features:
- Visit stayingsharp.aarp.org.
- Log in with your AARP member account.
- Activate the Staying Sharp features.
- Start exploring the content and games.
If your spouse or partner wants to join, they can register as a secondary member of your AARP membership for free using a different email address. This allows them full access to the Staying Sharp program as well.
This simple setup makes it easy for seniors to immediately improve their brain health.
Tips for creating a brain-healthy lifestyle
Enhancing brain health as you age involves a holistic approach. Here’s an expanded list of practical and actionable tips to help seniors maintain and improve cognitive function:
Eat brain-healthy foods
- Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. Focus on a diet that includes fatty fish, nuts, berries, and leafy greens to support brain health.
- Limit processed foods and sugar intake, which can contribute to cognitive decline.
Exercise to improve brain function
- Engage in regular physical activity that increases heart rate and blood flow to the brain, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Incorporate strength training and flexibility exercises to support overall body health and endurance.
Play challenging games to keep your mind sharp and vibrant
- Regularly participate in activities challenging your brain, such as crossword puzzles, chess, or learning a new language or skill.
- Use technology-based tools like brain training apps specifically designed to enhance cognitive functions.
Hang out with friends and family to avoid isolation
- Maintain active social connections through community groups, family gatherings, or online platforms to help reduce the risk of depression and cognitive decline.
- Volunteer or join clubs that align with your interests to keep you socially active and mentally engaged.
Manage the stresses in your life
- Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact cognitive health.
- Develop hobbies or routines that help you relax and unwind, such as gardening, painting, or listening to music.
Get better, more consistent sleep
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help the brain repair and consolidate memories.
- Establish a calming bedtime routine and ensure your sleeping environment is conducive to good sleep, free from noise and light disturbances.
Lifestyle changes to adopt
- Stay proactive about health screenings to manage chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension that can affect cognitive health.
- Keep informed about the latest health research and advice to adapt your lifestyle for optimal aging continually.
Potential risks to cognitive health
To maintain optimal brain health as you age, it’s important to be aware of certain behaviors and environmental factors that can negatively impact cognitive function. Here are some key things seniors should avoid:
- Exposure to toxins: Minimize contact with pollutants and chemicals, such as those found in some household cleaners or areas with poor air quality, as they can contribute to cognitive decline.
- Inadequate physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can reduce blood flow to the brain, diminishing cognitive health. Aim to incorporate regular physical exercise into your daily routine.
- Poor dietary choices: High processed foods and excessive salt and sugar intake can impair brain function. Focus on a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support brain health, like the Mediterranean or MIND diet.
- Social isolation: Lack of social interaction can lead to depression and cognitive decline. Engage regularly with friends and family or participate in community activities to stay connected.
- Smoking: Tobacco use can reduce blood flow to the brain and is linked to an increased risk of dementia and other cognitive impairments.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: While moderate alcohol use may have some health benefits, heavy drinking is harmful to brain health and can accelerate cognitive decline.
- Obesity: Being significantly overweight, especially in midlife, is associated with an increased risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia later in life.
Maintain a brain-healthy lifestyle at Kensington Place Redwood City
Kensington Place Redwood City is a premier memory care senior community dedicated to exceptional dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
Explore the enriching lifestyle and the comprehensive support we provide!
See the Kensington difference for yourself—schedule a tour or attend an upcoming event on our beautiful community grounds.