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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 is good for you, as is volunteering in your community.

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

Ongoing Exercise

Exercise Helps Support Memory and Blood Flow

Working out nurtures the hippocampus and helps make the brain resilient

Eat Right

The Brain-Gut Connection, Explained

Learn how your brain and gut are linked and how to support their health

Restorative Sleep

What Works for Chronic Insomnia?

Learn how cognitive behavioral therapy can help with insomnia and where to find treatment

Engage Your Brain

What to Do When Menopause Affects Your Mood

Is it the hormones, the hot flashes or just midlife stress?

Restorative Sleep

Skip the Nightcap: Better Options for Sleep

Booze may harm sleep quality and cause you to wake up more frequently

MEMBERS ONLY

Engage Your Brain

Seth Rogen on Alzheimer's Care and Support

Get tips from Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen on supporting loved ones with Alzheimer’s

Be Social

Old Friends Make Good Medicine

Reconnect with old friendships and experience the positive emotions that come with it

Eat Right

This Plant-Based Cookbook Could Help You Live Longer

Savor brain-healthy recipes inspired by blue zones, where people live longer and healthier

Engage Your Brain

Set Yourself Up for a Successful Day

Start your day with simple tasks to stay focused

MEMBERS ONLY

Manage Stress

3 Ways Black Americans Can Combat Dementia

Strategies for lifestyle changes can help Black adults reduce dementia risk as they age

Ongoing Exercise

Superman Exercise for a Stronger Back

This simple exercise can strengthen lower-back muscles

Ongoing Exercise

Snacks for Fuel Before and After a Workout

Eat the right foods to help your body recover more efficiently

Engage Your Brain

5 Ways to Master a Second Language

Get tips on how to take on the challenge of learning a new language as you age

Engage Your Brain

Try Orienteering for a Fun Challenge

Improve memory and learning skills with orienteering, a sport for all ages

Manage Stress

Nature's Health Benefits Are Right Outside

Help improve health and well-being by spending time outdoors with simple activities

Be Social

Swap FOMO For JOMO With Mindfulness

Ditch the fear of missing out and find joy in the moment with mindfulness techniques

MEMBERS ONLY

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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