KEY CONCEPTS

The BrainFlex® approach is based on four key concepts: Exercise/Meditation, Social Connections, Interactive Nutrition Education, Brain Training/Life-Long Learning. Research supports that applying these concepts together have the potential to slow physical and mental decline.

Social Connections

  Positive social connections increase overall well-being and encourage a more active lifestyle. Connecting with others is shown to prevent depression and to slow the progression of cognitive decline.

   

Brain Training/Life-Long Learning

  Brain Training utilizes memory, spatial awareness, reasoning skills, & multi-tasking exercises to help retrain your brain and process information, which can help seniors maintain independence in their daily lives. Life-long learning involves learning new information and skills in order to build cognitive reserves.

   

Interactive Nutrition Education

  Healthy eating plays a key role in the brain’s cognitive ability & its resistance to cognitive decline. Each session includes one recipe on a colorful powerpoint with detailed nutritional information about the primary ingredients in the recipe and the benefits they provide to the brain and body.

   

Exercise/
Meditation

  Sitter-size: 20 minutes of fun and energetic sitter-size designed to strengthen the core, increase range of motion, reduce risk of falls, and strengthen muscles, along with cardio (to increase the oxygen and blood flow to the brain as well as to the other vital organs.)

Meditation: This time incorporates a variety of visualization techniques designed to reduce worry and anxiety, as well as a list of self-affirmations which members are encouraged to speak out loud. Members engage in breathing exercises designed to release stress while increasing oxygen levels in the brain and reducing cortisol levels.