Keys to Embracing Aging - 12 sessions, biweekly, Sept- Oct 2026
Location
Virtual Event
Date
September 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM - October 15, 2026 at 11:30 AM
About
We’re all aging — but whether we do so gracefully is up to us! Join us for this workshop to learn 12 keys that can help you
grow old successfully and with increased longevity. No matter your age, you can take steps now to age well into the future.
If you’re ready to learn about different life-style habits that help to age more gracefully and prioritize your well-being, come join us for our Keys to Embracing Aging Series.
Each 30 minute, virtual evening session is designed to do more than inform--it will empower you with tools and strategies you can start using right away. A different topic will be featured each session, and you're welcome to join one, two, few or all twelve sessions.
Program Overview
Keys to Embracing Aging is an interactive program that highlights 12 keys aimed at helping you to grow old gracefully, successfully, and with increased longevity, based primarily on findings from centenarian studies and the advice from those who participated.
Keys to Embracing Aging introduces 12 healthy behavior practices that encourage optimal aging throughout the life span. The 12 keys of optimal aging include:
1. Positive Attitude
2. Eating Smart and Healthy
3. Physical Activity
4. Brain Activity
5. Social Activity
6. Tuning-in to the times
7. Safety
8. Know Your Health Numbers
9. Stress Management
10. Financial Affairs
11. Sleep
12. Taking Time for You
This is a live Zoom meeting. It will not be recorded. Instructions on Zoom set up and login will be sent in the reminder email.
Cost: FREE
Facilitators:
Miloni Rathod, rathodmi@msu.edu
Lisa Tams Wooten, tams@msu.edu
Sessions
Sept. 8, 2026
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT Positive Attitude
Attitude is Everything • Accept change • Get over negative stereotypes • Watch out for depression • Do things that make you happy
Location: Zoom Meeting
Sept. 10, 2026
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT Eating Smart and Healthy
Eat a Healthy Diet • A brain healthy diet is a heart healthy diet • Low fat/low cholesterol • Vitamin A: bright colored fruits and veggies: carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes. • Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy veggies, strawberries. • Vitamin E: nuts & seeds, whole grains, green leafy veggies, vegetable oil, liver oil. • Selenium: cold water fish & shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken, garlic • Foods high in vitamin B12: clams, oysters, mussels, octopus, beef, lamb, liver, caviar, fish, crab, lobster, cheese, eggs • Foods high in folate: Black-eyed peas, lentils, okra, kidney beans, great northern beans, broccoli, iceberg lettuce, beets, lima beans, sunflower seeds, spinach, sprouts, corn, asparagus, baked beans, green peas, baked potato, cabbage, avocados, peanuts, romaine lettuce, tomato juice, orange juice, strawberries, oranges, eggs, bananas*Note: Milk, Yogurt, Cheese, Fats, Oils, and Sweets are poor sources of folate! Know nutrition and your calories.
Location: Zoom Meeting
Sept. 15, 2026
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT Physical Activity
Physical activity can include yoga, a great way to stay social and focus on your health while reducing stress. Physical Activity and Exercise - Build or maintain up to at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity endurance activity on most or all days of the week.
Location: Zoom Meeting
Sept. 17, 2026
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT Brain Activity
Engage Your Brain • Active learning throughout life • Leisure activity that combines physical, mental, and social activity • Diet • Exercise and physical activity • Stay social
Location: Zoom Meeting
Sept. 22, 2026
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT Social Activity
Be Social • Lowers risk of illness and infection and helps to improve overall health • Reduces stress • Produces healthy brain cell connections • Fights depression • Fights isolation
Location: Zoom Meeting
Sept. 24, 2026
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT Tuning-in to the times
Stay in Tune to the Times • There's an App for that (using a cell or smart phone) • Computers and the internet to keep necessary information and for entertainment; they play and store games, music, movies and photos. • Video Games aren't Just for Kids - Today's video games also help keep older adults minds and bodies sharp and responsive. • The Sound of Music - Music exposure can also enhance perception, create a distraction from pain, reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and even relax your muscles (PMASFA, 2011). • Extra! Extra! Read All About It - Staying in tune to your community and the world also exercises the brain and can keep you more mentally active as you read or listen and process the news.
Location: Zoom Meeting
Sept. 29, 2026
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT Safety
Practice Being Safe • No smoking • Moderate alcohol • Regular check-ups • Wear your seatbelt • Prevent falls • Avoid over exposure to the sun and cold
Location: Zoom Meeting
Oct. 1, 2026
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT Know Your Health Numbers
Manage Your Numbers • Blood Sugar • Blood Pressure (BP) • Low fat/low cholesterol Get tips for talking to your doctor
Location: Zoom Meeting
Oct. 6, 2026
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT Stress Management
Manage Your Stress • Identify the source of stress in your life • Examine how you currently cope with stress • Learn healthier ways to manage stress • Avoid unnecessary stress • Alter situations • Accept things you can't change • Make time for fun and relaxation • Adopt a healthy lifestyle
Location: Zoom Meeting
Oct. 8, 2026
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT Financial Affairs
Keep Finances in Order • Budget development • Money Management • Wise use of credit • Consumer protection • Savvy savings
Location: Zoom Meeting
Oct. 13, 2026
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT Sleep
Sleep • Catch more zzzzz's! • If you have day-time sleepiness, you are NOT getting enough night-time sleep • Sleep disturbances are NOT a normal part of aging • Identify sleep problems • Find ways to obtain more restful sleep
Location: Zoom Meeting
Oct. 15, 2026
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT Taking Time for You
Take Time For Yourself • Find things that are important to you • Plan purposeful activity • Follow your passions • Chase your bucket list • Make a path of important things ahead of you to help distract your form the parts of aging that are not so positive
Location: Zoom Meeting