Flex Your Brain: The Mental Muscle You Can’t Afford to Ignore
by Heather Gately
By 2060, Alzheimer’s disease cases in the U.S. are expected to double. That’s right—double. Today, 6.9 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s. In just a few decades, that number could climb past 13 million. That’s not a headline meant to scare you. It’s a call to wake up and do something now. Because here’s the truth: we don’t have to wait until there's a crisis to start caring about our brains.
Just like your heart, your muscles, or your skin (we see you, collagen shoppers), your brain ages. But unlike crow’s feet or creaky knees, cognitive decline doesn’t send as many red flags—until it’s too late. The good news? You can influence the direction of your brain’s journey. You can train it, strengthen it, and yes—make it beautiful.
Meet Jim: Brain Gym Enthusiast at 62
Let me introduce you to Jim, one of our favorite “regulars” at Lifted: The Brain Wellness Center. Jim is 62, retired from corporate life, and proudly tells everyone that he’s traded in his power tie for power thinking.
“When I turned 60, I didn’t join a CrossFit gym or start training for a marathon,” Jim says. “I started working out my brain. I’ve got nothing against biceps, but frankly, I want to remember what I had for breakfast.”
Jim comes to Lifted three times a week for cognitive stimulation therapy, brain games, proprioceptive exercises (think balance meets mindfulness), and to participate in group sessions that get his neurons firing and his laughter lines deepening.
And it’s not just about sudoku or crossword puzzles (although we do love a good puzzle). Jim engages in activities specifically designed to promote neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself, form new connections, and even generate new cells. He plays memory games, does word recall under light physical pressure (you’d be surprised what a BlazePod can do for your recall speed), and participates in discussion groups that pull in everything from jazz music to 1960s trivia.
“I’m not going for a gold medal,” he jokes. “Unless there’s one for remembering where I put my glasses.”
Brain Health: The New Fountain of Youth?
We’ve all seen the rise of health culture—protein powders, anti-aging serums, boutique fitness studios. People over 50 are hiking mountains, lifting weights, fasting, juicing…all in the name of physical longevity. But what about cognitive longevity?
Here’s a not-so-fun fact: many age-related cognitive declines begin decades before symptoms appear. That’s why now—not later—is the right time to invest in your brain.
Unlike your biceps, your brain won’t flex in the mirror. But what if you could feel it getting sharper? What if your memory got better? What if you stayed oriented, witty, emotionally regulated, and socially engaged into your 80s and beyond? That’s the promise of brain health done right.
So, What Does Brain Training Actually Do?
Brain training programs like those offered at Lifted are not random memory games or trendy apps. They’re evidence-based, research-backed strategies to increase cognitive reserve. Here’s what that means in real life:
Cognitive reserve acts like a buffer, protecting your brain from damage or decline by building alternate neural pathways.
It’s especially important if you're genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
The more you challenge and engage your brain, the more flexible and adaptive it becomes.
Exercise, socialization, and mindfulness practices are critical to maintaining mental acuity.
In other words, cognitive workouts might not give you six-pack abs, but they can help you recall where you left your car keys—and hold your own in a trivia game against your grandkids.
Why Wait for a Crisis?
Too many people only start to think about their brains when they or a loved one get that first worrying diagnosis. Memory loss. Confusion. Getting lost in familiar places. That’s when the panic sets in.
But like any other aspect of health, prevention is the best medicine. Let’s flip the script. Let’s start giving our brains the love and attention they deserve—long before a doctor tells us we have to.
Jim puts it best: “I don’t want to wait until I forget my wife’s name to start taking care of myself. I want to be sharp enough to remember her birthday and still clever enough to joke about it when I forget.”
The Beauty of a Brain Well Used
We spend so much time sculpting our bodies. But what if we started sculpting our brains, too? Imagine walking into a room and remembering why you went there. Imagine holding conversations without fumbling for the right word. Imagine aging with clarity, confidence, and connection.
It’s not vanity—it’s vitality.
So, here’s your call to action.
If You’re Over 50, It’s Time to:
Invest in Brain Health – Join a local program like Lifted or explore brain wellness workshops, memory groups, or cognitive fitness classes.
Challenge Your Brain – Learn a new skill, language, instrument, or even just a different walking route to your favorite coffee shop.
Prioritize Connection – Loneliness is toxic for the brain. Join discussion groups, volunteer, or play group brain games (yes, we have limerick challenges!).
Move With Purpose – Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain. Tai Chi, dance, or gentle yoga with memory cues are game changers.
Laugh Often, Think Deeply – Humor stimulates multiple regions of the brain. It also makes the journey fun.
Your brain is the most powerful, complex organ you’ll ever own. Don’t leave it behind in the race to “look” young. Let’s think young, feel sharp, and move forward with a plan.
Because the best version of aging isn’t about adding years to your life—it’s about adding life to your years.
Curious about how to get started? Join us at Lifted: The Brain Wellness Center in South Norwalk, CT for a Brain Boost Bootcamp or schedule a free consultation to assess your cognitive fitness. It’s never too late to build a better brain.
And if you see Jim there, give him a high five. He’ll probably remember your name.