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Can't fall asleep? Cognitive shuffling is a low-effort mental trick that calms racing thoughts and helps you drift off faster. Here's how it works.

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Take the Cognitive Assessment and Lifestyle Check-Ins

Now AARP members and all users with an aarp.org account have access to the Cognitive Assessment, Lifestyle Check-Ins and Additional Tests for no additional cost. And you can retake the assessment every 30 days!

Start Assessment

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Brain Teaser

Challenge Your Cognitive Know-How!

What gives purple potatoes their antioxidant power?

Answer Daily Quiz

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The Power of Social Connections

Build lasting social bonds that will serve you well in the years ahead

Be Social

Video: 6 Pillars of Brain Health - Be Social

The health impacts of loneliness can be extensive

View Video

Be Social

Why Your Brain Thrives on Social Connection

Even casual interactions can boost brain health and reduce stress, a neuroscientist explains

AARP Rewards Social Challenge - Illustration of people at a backyard barbeque

AARP Rewards

Boost Your Social Life Challenge

A two-week program to get your social life back on track

Be Social

Could Raving Be the Secret to Longevity?

How one scientist is researching the benefits of raves for healthy aging

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Building Brain-Healthy Eating Habits

Learn how the food you eat affects your brain. We make it easy for you to prep delicious, good-for-you meals that support your well-being.

Find Healthy Eating Habits

Latest in Brain Health

Engage Your Brain

Single Tasking for a Sharper Mind

Focus on a single task for a set period of time

MEMBERS ONLY

Restorative Sleep

How Sunlight Benefits Your Brain

Daylight can help you focus, feel perkier and sleep better, research suggests

Manage Stress

Be Kind to Yourself for Greater Happiness

Increase happiness and resilience by offering yourself compassion

MEMBERS ONLY

Engage Your Brain

Memorize Numbers Using Chunking Technique

Break down phone numbers into smaller groups to commit them to memory

MEMBERS ONLY

Manage Stress

Why You Shouldn’t Mix Menopause With Alcohol

The two are an unhealthy combination for mood and memory

Restorative Sleep

Sleep Better With the Right Thermostat Setting

A cool bedroom may help improve sleep quality

MEMBERS ONLY

Be Social

Smile Your Way to Reduced Stress

Dish out more grins, even when it’s hard

Engage Your Brain

Use Memory Chunking to Help Recall Recipes

Mentally group ingredients together and start cooking

MEMBERS ONLY

Ongoing Exercise

Mindful Exercise Routines for Well-Being

Here’s how to pump up benefits of your next workout

MEMBERS ONLY

Be Social

Why Your Brain Thrives on Social Connection

Even casual interactions can boost brain health and reduce stress, a neuroscientist explains

Eat Right

How the Gut Microbiome Affects the Brain

The microorganisms in your gut have a big influence on your mind

Be Social

Fostering Pets for Joy and Purpose

Discover how Buzz Miller turned his retirement into a fulfilling journey

Ongoing Exercise

Use the POP! Tool to Fit Movement Into Your Day

A flexible approach to staying active through busy days

Ongoing Exercise

Track Your Workouts to Stay Motivated

Setting goals and charting your progress can help keep you accountable

Staying Sharp

How POINTER Participants Kept Up Healthy Changes

What helped them follow diet, exercise and other routines in a 2-year study?

Engage Your Brain

Get More Done With the Pomodoro Technique

This simple time management strategy blocks out time to complete tasks

MEMBERS ONLY

Stay Informed

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Get the latest Brain Health updates

Enjoy the Staying Sharp monthly newsletters and relevant updates.

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Legal Disclaimer: Staying Sharp, including all content and features, is offered for informational purposes and to educate users on brain health care and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Staying Sharp is based on a holistic, lifestyle approach to brain health that encourages users to incorporate into their daily lives activities that are associated with general wellness. Nothing in the service should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Features including the Cognitive Assessment and Lifestyle Check-Ins, Additional Tests, exercises, and challenges assess performance at a particular moment in time on certain discrete cognitive tasks. Staying Sharp games are intended for entertainment and recreational purposes only. Various factors may affect performance, including sleep, tiredness, focus, and other social, environmental, or emotional factors. Performance is not indicative of cognitive health and not predictive of future performance or medical conditions.

Unused AARP Rewards points expire 12 months after they are earned, in monthly batches on a rolling basis.