We've long understood that taking care of our bodies is key to remaining vibrant and healthy in our later years. Thanks to these efforts and modern medicine, we are living longer than ever. However, there is an increasing emphasis on supporting brain health as well — ensuring that as our lifespans extend, we maintain the sharp, strong minds needed to keep doing the things we love. The good news is that protecting brain health doesn't require expensive interventions — it's about consistency, connection and making smart choices.

The same habits that strengthen the body also protect the mind, from maintaining your hearing and eyesight to having stress-reducing hobbies.

"It's no longer enough to think about being physically healthy as we age. Instead, we are really focused on whole-person health so we can continue to enjoy both the physical and mental aspects of life," said Doug Armstrong, vice president, Health Products at AARP Services. "Fortunately, many activities, like having your hearing or vision checked regularly, support both. AARP member benefits can enable anyone to build a brain-healthy lifestyle at a price point that works for them."

1. Help your hearing

There is an established connection between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline, but the mechanism behind that connection remains unclear. Some research has suggested that individuals who experience hearing loss fail to utilize certain auditory functions, resulting in atrophy of parts of the brain. Hearing loss is also critical when it comes to social-emotional connection. Not being able to hear others properly or easily in conversation may lead to isolation and depression, which are risk factors for dementia. Findings indicate that hearing loss, if eliminated, might decrease the risk of dementia in the general population.

Fortunately, there are solutions available to allow those experiencing hearing loss to regain some function. Members have access to savings on hearing aids and hearing care with AARP^® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare^® Hearing. AARP members can save up to 50% on prescription hearing aids and up to $200 off over-the-counter hearing aids. Members also receive a free hearing exam and consultation, with personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers. No insurance is needed to use the program.

2. Verify your vision

Similar to hearing, impaired vision may not only impact your quality of life but also your ability to maintain your cognition. Vision loss can make it more difficult to participate in certain activities, causing people to become isolated. Isolation can cause a lack of brain stimulation and increase depressive symptoms, resulting in subsequent cognitive decline.

Having your vision checked regularly can ensure there are no underlying conditions and that your corrective lenses are up to date. With your AARP member benefits you have several options for saving when purchasing or updating glasses. With Visionworks, members can access exclusive savings, including $200 off a complete pair of glasses when you buy single vision lenses or $250 off with multifocal lenses.

Additionally, with Target Optical, members get 50% off the purchase of additional complete pairs (frames + lenses) of prescription eyewear or sunglasses. Plus, they save an extra $10 off the purchase of a frame, lenses, a complete pair of glasses or contact lenses (2 boxes minimum).

3. Brush up on dental visits

A bright and healthy smile provides a great confidence boost. And when you smile, people smile back. It follows, then, that good dental health is one way to boost serotonin. But researchers are also finding a physiological connection between oral and brain health. One study, for example, found that gum disease and tooth loss were linked to brain shrinkage in the hippocampus, which plays a role in memory.

While vision and hearing care might join your wellness checklist later in life, dental care guidance remains the same at six years old as it is at 60: visit the dentist annually, brush twice daily and floss regularly.

If you're looking to establish care with a new dentist, the Orahh Care Dental Community Selected by AARP^® brings together a network of thousands of supported dentists. The Orahh Care Dental Community was selected by AARP for its commitment to accessible, comprehensive dental care and exceptional patient experiences. Members and non-members can find dentists in this network, who benefit from innovative technology, training and resources that empower them to deliver high-quality care and a positive patient experience. That means more of your dental needs can be addressed in one place, with a team that helps guide your care over time. Members and non-members may visit the Orahh Care Dental Community website to find a dentist in the Orahh Care Network.

4. Talk it out

Getting older, while a privilege, also includes many significant life changes, from retirement and relocation to confronting health challenges and loss. These changes can take an emotional toll, leading to feelings of uncertainty, stress and even depression, which can increase risk of cognitive decline, either because of social isolation or physiological factors.

Working with a therapist can be a powerful tool in strengthening our ability to cope with stress, handle challenges and maintain healthy relationships. With AARP^® Online Therapy by BetterHelp, members can access an online therapy platform with a network of 30,000+ licensed therapists and get matched with a therapist to meet by video, phone or messaging. You can use qualifying private (non-governmental) insurance or get 30% off your first month by paying directly using BetterHelp's subscription model.

5. Prioritize primary care

Establishing care with a primary care doctor is a great way to monitor any changes in your overall health and even prescribe lifestyle interventions. According to a 2023 report, one-third of people in the United States don't have a primary care provider. For older adults in that group, there's Oak Street Health.

Oak Street Health provides personalized care for older adults on Medicare, designed to help you stay healthy. AARP members and non-members get same-day/next-day appointments where available, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. Oak Street Health has over 200 primary care doctor offices across 27 states, making it easier to address health concerns before they interfere with your active lifestyle.

Your doctor might prescribe medication as part of your care plan. You could use your AARP^® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx^® card to manage the cost of those medications. AARP members can download a free prescription discount card from Optum Rx that can be used at 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. The program is open to anyone, whether you're an AARP member or not — but AARP members get additional benefits, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, savings for your dependents and more.

Support your brain health by approaching it with the same care you give your body. Supplement physical exercises with mental ones, stay up to date on your checkups and take steps to foster a healthy mindset and enjoy the priceless gift of whole-body health. Visit aarp.org/benefits to learn more.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.