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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

Improve Your Walking Form for Health

Put a spring in your step with the right technique

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Engage Your Brain

Do the Math to Challenge Your Brain

Brush up on old skills or learn new ones

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Ongoing Exercise

Exercise at Moderate Intensity for Memory

Sweat therapy can benefit your health and happiness

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Eat Right

Eating Enough Protein? Here’s the Right Amount

Learn why protein is essential to maintain health as you age

Engage Your Brain

Create a Bucket List With Meaningful Goals

Pursuing your passions is good for your well-being

MEMBERS ONLY

Manage Stress

Cultivate a Sense of Awe for Better Well-Being

Experiencing wonder may benefit mental health

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Engage Your Brain

Reclaim Your Time With Fewer Notifications

Trade in those relentless alerts for peace of mind

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Engage Your Brain

Absurdly Simple Tips for Your Brain Health

Don’t fall for pricey supplements or biohacking gimmicks

Eat Right

Meal Planning for Protein Success

Stay nourished and strong with these healthy hacks

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Ongoing Exercise

Exercise Outdoors for a Healthy Gut

Try taking your workouts outdoors to support gut health and overall wellness

MEMBERS ONLY

Eat Right

Superfoods to Support Brain Health

Eat your way to better brain health with these 10 nutrient-rich foods

Ongoing Exercise

Mindful Walking for Stress Relief

This ‘moving meditation’ may brighten your mood

MEMBERS ONLY

Eat Right

Is It Worth Getting Your Microbiome Tested?

Learn about the testing and whether the results help you improve your health

Ongoing Exercise

Take the Plunge With a Water Workout

Aquatic exercise is safe, gentle and great for your body and mind

Engage Your Brain

Tips for Managing Brain Fog at Work

These simple steps may make work life a bit easier

MEMBERS ONLY

Eat Right

Set Up Your Mediterranean Kitchen

Having the right stuff on hand makes healthy cooking a snap

MEMBERS ONLY

An illustration of a creative mind brain concept

AARP Brain Health Resource Center

Find explainers on dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, head injuries and mental-health topics. Learn about healthy habits that support memory and mental skills.

Learn, take action, build healthy 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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