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SALT LAKE CITY — As people age, their bodies and nutritional needs change. Knowing where to start can feel overwhelming, but local health experts said small, simple shifts can add up to big benefits. In Magna, a group of seniors is proving it's never too late to build healthier habits. They're taking the Stronger Memory Class taught by Paige Corley. “It's focused on giving people tools to keep their memory as strong as possible. So instant recall, people's names (and) places that you've been to recently,” Corley said. Students practice simple memory exercises and talk through everyday food choices that support better brain health. Corley said healthy choices help keep the mind sharp. “Eating foods that are high in Omega 3s and whole foods, anything that reduces inflammation in the body and increases the nutrients that you get,” Corley said. For Diane Henson, it hasn't been easy. “It's very expensive to eat healthy. If you're gonna ... go to the extreme and do organic vegetables and fruit, that costs a lot more than the normal stuff you just buy in the store.” But she's learning small steps can make a big difference. “Vegetables and fruit are cheaper than buying the processed stuff,” Henson said. And she can feel the impact. “When I eat junk food, I feel crappy. And when I eat the good stuff, I have more energy,” Henson said. Little swaps like these support long term health. Corley said they help older adults stay strong and independent. “Instead of having applesauce, eat an apple ... Instead of having a, a smoothie, eat a salad. Those kind of things are relatively simple,” she said. For Henson, healthier eating is part of a bigger goal — staying mentally and physically active. “If you don't use it, you lose it,” she said. Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services offers the Stronger Memory class throughout the year. It is free and open to adults over sixty. Click here for more information.
This story was adapted from a TV broadcast script using artificial intelligence. Every story, including those adapted with AI, is reviewed by a human editor before publication to ensure that KSL's editorial standards are upheld.
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