Hilo workshop will offer tips on brain health

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Members of the public are invited to learn six smart things they can do to keep their brains healthy as they age from AARP’s top brain health expert at a free in-person workshop Aug. 8 in Hilo.

Sarah Lenz Lock, AARP’s senior vice president of policy and brain health and executive director of the Global Council on Brain Health, will be in Hawaii for a series of public events and meetings with researchers and organizations working to improve brain health in Hawaii.

“Better brain health enables people’s minds to flourish so they can lead more rewarding lives,” Lock said in a press release. “It’s never too late to make a difference. The first thing that we say is, be aware that there are things you can do to help your brain health as you age.”

Lock will share information on the six pillars of brain health — be social, engage your brain, manage stress, ongoing exercise, restorative sleep and eat right — at an interactive workshop from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Arc of Hilo, 1099 Waianuenue Ave. Lunch will be served.

People don’t have to be an AARP member to attend, but must preregister to reserve a spot and receive a meal.

Go to aarp.org/HI or the AARP Hawaii Facebook page and look for the events tab to see and register for all the events that AARP is offering.

The Global Council on Brain Health, an independent collaborative of scientists, doctors and policy experts convened by AARP, recently released a report that found brain health is influenced by factors such as income and financial security, housing conditions, environment, and access to nutritious food and exercise.

The report provides recommendations for policymakers, health care providers and community organizations for driving awareness of brain health, creating livable communities which foster healthy aging, promoting culturally appropriate cognitive screenings and reducing barriers to implementing healthy behaviors.