By Ashley McKeachie, MA, C-IAYT, E-RYT-500, BLS

Since 2022, I have worked extensively with adults over 55 in a college-based health and wellness program centered on active aging. I was drawn to the Brain Longevity® Therapy Training (BLTT) because it aligned so closely with my passion for evidence-based approaches that support the cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being of older adults. I wanted to deepen my understanding of the brain health concerns affecting this population so I could better support and empower the individuals I serve.

One of the most meaningful parts of this work has been sharing the Kirtan Kriya practice with more than 200 Saddleback College Emeritus Health and Wellness students. Participants often express appreciation for having a welcoming space to engage in practices that support cognitive health, emotional resilience, and stress reduction. Many have also shared that the experience broadened their view of yoga and wellness, helping them see these practices as powerful tools for healthy aging rather than only as forms of physical exercise.

The feedback has been deeply encouraging. Participants describe Kirtan Kriya as creating a sense of calm, clarity, and inner connection. Students who experience anxiety have said the practice helps them focus their attention, quiet mental distractions, and feel more emotionally grounded. Others have described feeling emotionally moved and noticing a real release of stress and tension after practice. Many also appreciate learning about the growing body of research supporting meditation and mindfulness as tools for brain health, which leaves them feeling hopeful, empowered, and motivated to continue.

One of the most surprising and rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing how strongly participants have embraced the practice. I initially hesitated to introduce Kirtan Kriya because I wasn’t sure how students would respond to a meditation that includes mantra, mudra, and visualization. I assumed those subtler aspects of yoga might feel unfamiliar or even esoteric. Instead, I’ve been inspired by how deeply older adults have connected with mindfulness, inner awareness, and the meditative aspects of yoga.

Since completing the BLTT, I’ve also become more intentional about the habits that support long-term brain health in my own life. I have a deeper appreciation for the role of sleep, movement, stress management, and overall wellness, and I am more mindful about incorporating supplements and practices that support cognitive health. Most importantly, the training has encouraged me to slow down, be present, and respond more thoughtfully in my daily interactions.

This journey has reinforced the power of education, mindfulness, and connection in supporting healthy aging. Through this work, I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful it can be to give older adults tools that help them care for their brains, their bodies, and their overall well-being.

. . . 

ARPF is profoundly proud to see Ashley become a beacon of hope, creating tangible change in the Brain Longevity and Alzheimer’s prevention landscape. It’s a joy to see this critical knowledge reach communities thanks to Ashley’s unwavering commitment and her students’ willingness to learn.

To learn more about the Brain Longevity Therapy Training, click here.