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In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of brain health with Dr. Linda Sasser. She is a former college professor who turned her curiosity about memory into a mission to help people age with clarity, vitality and joy.
After years of teaching at Christian campuses, like Wheaton College and Judson University, Linda focused her research on cognitive aging and what happens to our memory as we grow older.
What she discovered might surprise you, and it could change the way you think about your own future.
Linda shares practical, science-backed strategies that anyone over 50 can use to strengthen their brain and preserve their memory.
Whether you’re concerned about occasional forgetfulness or just want to keep your mind sharp, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
One of the most powerful takeaways from my conversation with Linda is that memory decline is not an inevitable part of aging.
Through her deep dive into the science of brain health, Linda discovered that our lifestyle choices – not just genetics – play a significant role in how our minds function as we get older.
To make these choices easier to remember, Linda uses an acronym: S-E-N-S-E, which stands for:
- Socialization – Staying socially connected combats isolation and supports cognitive function.
- Exercise – Physical movement increases blood flow to the brain, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen.
- Nutrition – Eating a brain-healthy diet, including proper hydration, is crucial. Your gut health is more connected to your brain than you might think.
- Sleep and Spirituality – Deep, restorative sleep is essential for memory consolidation. And having a sense of purpose or meaning in life, what Linda calls “spirituality,” can lead to better health outcomes and greater life satisfaction.
- Education – Lifelong learning is non-negotiable. Challenging your brain with new skills and ideas builds fresh neural pathways and keeps the mind agile.
Linda also warned of often-overlooked factors that can impair memory, including untreated hearing loss, medication side effects, depression and sleep apnea. By addressing these issues proactively, we can preserve not just our memory, but our overall quality of life.
Linda’s message is empowering and encouraging: it’s never too late to take better care of your brain.
Whether you’re a retirement community director, a caregiver, or simply someone who wants to age with intention, Linda’s curriculum and book, “Brain Sense: A Guide and Workbook to Keep Your Mind and Memory Sharp,” offer practical steps you can implement today.
To learn more about her courses or to book Linda as a speaker for your group, visit brainandmemoryhealth.com or email her directly at brainandmemoryhealth@gmail.com.
This episode is a powerful reminder that just because we’re getting older doesn’t mean we have to slow down mentally. With a little effort and the right habits, we can continue learning, growing and living with clarity at any age.
That’s all for this week’s show. If you’d like to start living a more meaningful life, I encourage you to download our free guide to finding purpose, which is available at www.forwardfrom50.com.
I’ll have another inspirational interview on the next episode of the Forward From 50 podcast. Thanks for listening. If you like this show, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.