About 11% of the U.S. older adult population is at risk for or suffers from subjective cognitive decline. Intellectual challenge and social interaction are important for brain health (University of Illinois Extension).

Wits Workout, developed by the University of Illinois Extension is a holistic, multi-modal workshop series that offers adults ages 50 and older facilitated, interactive dialogue and activities about behaviors that promote brain health. 

A 10-week series of "Wits Workout" was offered by the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service to 41 adult participants ages 50 and over. During the hour-long sessions participants learned about a brain-health topic (examples: food and nutrition, sleep, physical activity, social engagement, techniques for focus) and completed a number of challenging written and verbal puzzles. 

A written survey mailed 3 months after the completion of the series revealed:

90 percent have worked to further engage their brains by working on more complex puzzles and activities

52 percent use strategies shared in the program to help them remember things in their daily life

43 percent engage in more strenuous or more physical activity on a regular basis and the same percentage are more social with friends and through organizations

62 percent of respondents now eat less processed or ultra-processed foods

57 percent shared information from the class with 67 other people.

 Respondents shared “My sleeping habits have improved,” and “More intentional to connect and meet face-to-face with friends and family.” Overall the program has been well received and will be offered again in the future.

6/4/2024