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The 6 Pillars of Brain Health

AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health reviewed the latest research on how to support our memory, thinking and overall cognitive health. Learn how to build habits around the six pillars of brain health.

Staying Sharp’s Six Pillars of Brain Health

A healthy lifestyle helps you support your brain health. Learn how to practice these six pillars of brain health.

Be Social

The health impacts of loneliness can be extensive. Having strong family and social circles plus volunteering in your community is good for you.

Engage Your Brain

Stay curious and keep learning — pick up an instrument, a new language, pickleball, knitting, reading — your brain will thank you.

Manage Stress

Chronic stress can harm memory, mood and cognition. Finding balance is key: We offer easy ways to incorporate mindfulness into your days.

Ongoing Exercise

Physically active people have a lower risk of cognitive decline, says AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health. There are lots of ways to get moving.

Restorative Sleep

Quality sleep can help protect against cognitive decline, scientists say. Check out strategies and challenges to make sleep your superpower.

Eat Right

A healthy diet is crucial to optimal brain health. Eat Mediterranean — whole grains, beans, seafood, healthy fats. We can show you how.

Latest in Brain Health

A path in the park with trees alongside it

Manage Stress

Nature Could Improve Your Mood

Spending time in green spaces can reduce stress

A woman leaning forward to stretch her legs on a yoga mat

Ongoing Exercise

What Yoga Does to Your Brain

Research finds the practice may affect brain structure

A close-up view of soup in a cup

Eat Right

How to Freeze Soup to Avoid Wasting Leftovers

Don't waste your leftovers when you can freeze them for later

View Video

An illustration of two people looking up at the stars with a telescope

Be Social

Attend a Star Party

Lift your spirits with an evening of stargazing and socializing

MEMBERS ONLY

A close-up view of a man with glasses looking at a screen

Engage Your Brain

Everyday Brain: Cognitive Flexibility and Multitasking

You’re not doing your brain any favors by doing too many things at once

View Video

Eat Right

Is It Worth Getting Your Microbiome Tested?

Your gut microbiome may influence your mood and more

A businessman is working on a tablet and using a smartphone in an office

Engage Your Brain

Don’t Double Up on Devices

Two screens aren’t necessarily better than one when it comes to focus

MEMBERS ONLY

Two female swimmers smiling and hugging

Be Social

You Gotta Have Friends

Prioritizing your pals may boost your happiness — and health

MEMBERS ONLY

Denise Austin demonstrating leg lifts

Ongoing Exercise

Work Out With Denise Austin: Leg Lifts

They can help strengthen the glutes and the backs of your thighs

A close-up view of a yogurt with berries and granola

Eat Right

Think Outside the (Cereal) Box

Improve your morning meal with a dose of protein

Close up of a hand touching a wooden cube with a smiley face on it

Manage Stress

Track Your Moods

Logging how you’re feeling can empower you to take charge

An illustration of several different app icons

Be Social

Social Media: Good or Bad for the Brain?

It can help you stay connected, but overuse may also trigger stress and negative feelings

A woman using phone while lying in bed in a dark room

Restorative Sleep

What Works for Chronic Insomnia?

Find out when you need to go beyond sleep hygiene

A big-eyed cat has its paws up on a wooden table

Engage Your Brain

Learn Your Pet's Patterns

Tracking their behaviors and habits can benefit you both

A cropped shot of a woman's hand writing in a journal

Restorative Sleep

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Think about what brings you joy

A man and woman with illustrations of their intestines with colorful bacteria on their stomachs

Engage Your Brain

Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Gut Microbiome?

Test your knowledge of the organisms living in your colon

People cooking healthy food

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

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.

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