What comes to mind when you hear the phrase ‘healthy aging’?
For most, it’s a focus on eating well, staying active, reducing stress and/or social connection. Fortunately, there’s an increased focus on maintaining a healthy brain. In addition to MCOA’s nutrition-focused brain health presentations (request one here), Brain Buddies checklist and other resources, we are happy to share a new research program with you.
My Healthy Brain at Massachusetts General Hospital (MHG) is a research program for older adults with memory concerns. The study is comparing two different groups that help people improve lifestyle habits to promote brain health, optimize memory and enhance other types of thinking.
Program details:
- Both programs involve eight virtual group sessions led by an MGH psychologist, where participants learn skills and strategies to manage their memory-related concerns as well as the link between memory concerns and lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, and exercise. Participants would also wear a smartwatch (provided by the program) to monitor activity and sleep.
- At the start of the study, end of the study, and at a six-month follow-up visit, participants complete assessments that focus on measuring their activity and thinking.
- The study is entirely virtual, so you will never have to travel to MGH; you can participate right from home. No medications are involved in the study.
- You could be paid up to $220 for full completion of the program and get to keep the smartwatch provided by the program.
To find out if you are a good fit for the program:
- Contact Makenna Law, research coordinator at mghmyhealthybraing@mgb.org, 617-643-9406
- Take the online screening survey
NANASP is launching a podcast, ‘Learn, Eat and Age Well’
Join legendary Bob Blancato to keep on top of the latest innovations in the senior nutrition program! Brought to you by National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) and the Nutrition & Aging Resource Center, this podcast invites experts and real-life service providers to share their secrets of success, offer free resources and tell us their sage advice. Whether you are working at a State Unit on Aging, Area Agency on Aging, or local service provider – or just curious about how the senior nutrition program is modernizing to meet the needs of current and future generations of seniors – this podcast is for you! New episodes will be posted https://media.rss.com/learneatandagewell/feed.xml and will be available where you listen to your podcasts.
Defeat Malnutrition Today webinar
Join DMT for a brief webinar on advocating for expanding hospital malnutrition quality measure to 18+ on May 2, 2024 from 2:00 to 2:45 pm ET. Register here.
Massachusetts Public Health Association’s Lobby Day is May 2 at the State House.
Legislators and community leaders will discuss three of our priority bills before we fan out to meet with as many state representatives and senators as possible to advocate for health equity policies that will help realize a healthier and more just Commonwealth! To register, click here.
