By Dr. Sandra Petersen, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, GNP-BC, PMHNP-BE, FAANP
Senior VP of Health and Wellness, Pegasus Senior Living
Founder of the Connections Memory Care Program
A New Year of Brain Health and Well-Being
At Pegasus Senior Living, we are always looking for ways to make life easier, healthier, and more fulfilling for our residents and their families. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our Brain Health Initiative in November, marking the beginning of a year-long focus on helping our communities thrive mentally and physically.
I’m Dr. Sandra Petersen, Senior Vice President of Health and Wellness and founder of the Connections memory care program. With my background in developing specialized care for individuals with memory loss, I’ve seen firsthand how proactive brain health efforts can transform lives.
Through this initiative, I look forward to providing resources, activities, and education that empower residents and families to take charge of their well-being.
While good health is important at any age, it is particularly crucial for older adults. By dedicating 2025 to brain health, we aim to promote meaningful activities, provide research-based guidance, and ensure our residents enjoy improved cognitive well-being.
A Brain Health Program to Support Mental and Physical Wellness
Our 2025 Brain Health Initiative ties to our mission to enhance all lives with kindness and integrity.
Through thoughtful care, engaging experiences, and expert guidance, Pegasus Senior Living communities are becoming centers for brain health, where mental and physical well-being come together seamlessly.
This integrated brain health approach empowers residents to stay sharp, connected, and active. We’re helping families feel confident about their loved one’s future.
Confident Choices Through Informed Decision-Making
Choosing a senior living community can feel overwhelming. To make this process easier, we’re offering personalized guidance every step of the way.
To help boost confidence, families will have access to:
- Expert insights
- Financial resources
- Tailored care plans
By understanding individual needs, we align every choice with brain health and long-term well-being, ensuring our residents thrive in every stage of life.
Engaging Dementia Education and Cognitive Activities
Supporting brain and mental health means going beyond physical care. Our program offers specialized dementia training, equipping families and team members with practical tools to engage meaningfully with loved ones.
These sessions teach families how to foster moments of connection and joy, no matter where their loved one is on their cognitive journey.
Residents will also enjoy new, interactive activities focused on cognitive resilience—designed to stimulate memory, creativity, and social interaction. This care is an opportunity to help residents rediscover what makes them feel alive.
Integrated Brain Health Through Fitness, Games, and Nutrition
Wellness is about keeping both the body and mind engaged. Our fitness programs inspire participation, offering exercises that enhance coordination, memory, and blood flow to the brain.
From morning stretch classes to mind-challenging games for brain health, residents have fun while building cognitive strength.
Our chefs have also developed menus filled with foods that are good for brain health. Residents can enjoy meals rich in leafy greens, healthy fats, and whole grains, creating a diet for brain health that is as delicious as it is beneficial.
This integrated brain health approach ensures that each bite, stretch, and game works toward keeping the mind sharp and the body strong.
Linking Brain Health to Diabetes Awareness: November Focus
To kick off the initiative, we’re aligning our efforts with National Diabetes Month.
Managing conditions like diabetes is vital to protecting brain health, as research shows a connection between blood sugar control and cognitive function.
In November, we’ll host workshops and activities that empower residents and families to manage diabetes and improve senior brain health. Whether through healthy cooking demonstrations or expert-led seminars, our goal is to show how caring for the body directly impacts the brain.
Through this dynamic program, Pegasus Senior Living communities become a place where every resident has the tools, encouragement, and support to enjoy a full, vibrant life.
Why Brain Health Matters
Cognitive health is the foundation of overall well-being. Research suggests that keeping the brain active helps protect it from cognitive decline and reduces the risk of dementia.
I know this personally—after suffering from mobility and memory loss, I learned that the right mental and physical “gymnastics” are key to recovery.
Every day, I rely on three habits to maintain my brain health.
- Exercise—Physically and Mentally
Movement boosts blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new cells. I walk two to four miles daily to engage both hemispheres of my brain, improving balance and strength. I also do math flashcards for mental exercise and read aloud to strengthen neural pathways. These simple activities support neuroplasticity—our brain’s ability to adapt and grow.
- Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet
Avoid highly processed foods and focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Leafy greens, dark chocolate, and foods with antioxidants improve brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. Avoiding saturated fat also lowers inflammation and promotes better brain and mental health.
- Stay Connected with Others
Social engagement is crucial. The pandemic showed us how isolation can harm both mental and brain health.
Having meaningful interactions daily keeps my mind sharp and my mood elevated. Our brain and mental health thrive when we stay socially active, regardless of age.
How Pegasus Senior Living Communities Make Brain Health Easy
At Pegasus Senior Living communities, we’re committed to supporting brain health through every stage of life. Residents benefit from long-term wellness programs that focus on both the physical and mental aspects of well-being.
We also encourage family members to get involved. With specialized dementia education and workshops, families have the tools to engage meaningfully with their loved ones, creating lasting connections that promote better health.
Join Us in Promoting Brain Health for Seniors
We’re excited to roll out this new program in all Pegasus Senior Living communities. We invite you to be part of this exciting journey. Whether you’re a resident, a family member, or someone considering senior living, this initiative is designed to make brain health a priority for everyone.
Contact us today to learn more about our Brain Health Initiative or schedule a visit to one of our communities. Together, we’ll make 2025 a year of improved brain function, wellness, and connection.