Cognitive Health: A Lifestyle Approach – For Adults 45+

Course Overview

Did you know science shows cognitive function can improve through targeted lifestyle interventions?

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your focus or support memory into the future, this course translates this science into practical and structured strategies that you can understand and apply in everyday life. Learn how to reduce your risk of cognitive decline, protect your brain to support a vibrant and independent life.

Together, we’ll look at the major risk factors for cognitive decline and how to reduce them through practical steps in food, nutrients, movement, sleep, stress management, and sensory input – the very steps shown in the science to improve cognitive function and reduce your risk of decline. You’ll learn why these changes matter, what to do, and how to do them in a way that fits your life.

Choose healthy steps and put them into practice each week. Through guided discussions, shared experiences, and practical resources, you’ll build confidence and create lasting habits – finding your own path to sharper thinking, stronger memory, and long-term cognitive health.

Macquarie Community College operates from a range of venues across Northern and Western Sydney. We have campuses in Blacktown, Carlingford, Chatswood, Epping, Mt Druitt, Richmond, and Ryde. Enrol now!

Learn more about this course

What you will learn

Course outline

Each week, you’ll explore the what, why, and how of the following topics:

  • Your Brain, Your Future: Discover how international studies show improvements in cognitive function and set personal goals to reduce your risk
  • Eating for Brain Health: Learn about beneficial and detrimental foods, and take practical steps to build a brain-healthy plate
  • Restorative Sleep: Understand the importance of sleep for memory, detox, and brain repair, and establish effective bedtime routines
  • Move for Memory (Exercise): Explore the science of movement and its benefits for brain health, and find enjoyable, sustainable exercises
  • Nutrients: Learn about key nutrients for brain support
  • Stress, Mood & Resilience: Discover tools for resilience, including mindfulness and relaxation, and practice guided calming exercises
  • Cognitive & Sensory Stimulation: Engage your senses with proven activities to strengthen brain pathways and boost neuroplasticity
  • Putting It All Together: Recap the science-backed steps, complete your personal plan, celebrate your progress, and plan for sustained brain health
  • Benefit from a blend of guided discussions, community support, and practical tools

Please note: This is a guide only.

Course outcome

By the end of this course you will have:

  • Learnt about the key risk factors for cognitive decline and their importance
  • Followed a framework for making meaningful changes in food, movement, stress management, sleep, and more
  • Gained insights from group discussions to deepen your understanding and motivation and applied practical healthy changes to your lifestyle
  • Left with confidence and momentum to continue your cognitive health journey, empowered to protect your memory and shape your future

What you need to know

Entry requirements

No prior experience, as this course is suitable for a beginner.

What you need to provide

  • Pen
  • Notepad

Other information

  • Students sign a medical/ information form at the first class.
  • Prerequisite Acknowledgement By enrolling in this course, you acknowledge that all content provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition, nor does it constitute medical advice. Any health-related decisions should be made in consultation with a personalised qualified healthcare provider.
  • If you are new to exercise or have a pre-existing condition, please seek information from your GP before participating.

Class details

Start Date22 October 2025
End Date10 December 2025
Sessions8
DaysWed
Time12:30pm - 2:00pm
TutorRachel Puncheon
Location Chatswood Campus

$240

Class details

Start Date22 October 2025
End Date10 December 2025
Sessions8
DaysWed
Time6:30pm - 8:00pm
TutorRachel Puncheon
Location Online Zoom Class

$240

Delivery Mode

To meet the needs of our students Macquarie Community College balances delivery and engagement across permanent, regular and temporary delivery sites and offer face-to-face, remote zoom classes and self-paced learning options.

Ways to Study

  • On campus

Our college campus locations are:

    • Blacktown
    • Chatswood
    • Carlingford
    • Epping
    • Ryde
    • Mt Druitt
  • Virtual classroom
  • Complete workplace training
  • Combine ways to study

FAQ

How you got questions? Please see our comprehensive FAQ page for everything you need to know about Macquarie Community College, our policies, student support, application and enrolment procedures.

How to Enrol

Step 1 - Choose Your Course

  • Select the non-accredited short course you are interested in.
  • Find a day and time that suits your schedule.

Note: Enrolment is open to anyone 18 years or older.

Step 2 - Enrol and Verify

  • Click ‘Enrol Now’ after selecting your course and schedule.
  • Enter your details on the enrolment page.
  • Verify your email through a secure link sent to your email address.
  • Complete the secure checkout and payment process.

Ensure you read the Terms and Conditions available at: Macquarie Community College Terms and Conditions. For assistance, call customer service at 1300 845 888.

Step 3 - Receive Your Enrolment Details

  • You will receive an immediate enrolment confirmation email upon successful enrolment. Check and read the attached Terms and Conditions.
  • The payer of the enrolment will receive a tax invoice immediately after processing.
  • You will receive a course reminder email a day before your class begins.
  • For Online Zoom classes, a Zoom link and password will be emailed the day before class. Use the same link and password for subsequent sessions if applicable.