Brain Health & Nutrition Balance Lecture + Cooking Workshop
Part of the “Nourishing Connections to Combat Loneliness by Cooking” Series
November 24, 2025 – Ajax, Ontario
Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program
On November 24, 2025, the Association of Certified Professional Nutritionists (ACPN), in collaboration with the Durham Foreveryoung Activity Centre, successfully hosted a special session of the Nourishing Connections to Combat Loneliness by Cooking series in Ajax. Themed “Brain Health & Nutrition Balance for Seniors,” this event aimed to empower older adults with practical dietary guidance to support brain health, enhance emotional well-being, and foster meaningful community connections through shared cooking experiences.
Opening Remarks
The session began with welcoming words from Maggie Yu, Executive Lead of ACPN, who emphasized the vital role of balanced nutrition in maintaining cognitive health and overall wellness in later life.
This was followed by remarks from President Qian of the Durham Foreveryoung Activity Centre, who reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting seniors in living active, healthy, and socially connected lives.
Expert Lecture: Foundations of Brain-Healthy Eating
ACPN invited Ms. Rose from the Canadian College of Public Health as the keynote speaker. With her professional expertise and engaging teaching style, she provided seniors with clear, evidence-based strategies for maintaining cognitive vitality through everyday dietary habits.
Key principles covered in the lecture included:
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Long-term dietary patterns matter more than any single “super nutrient.”
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Adopt a brain-supportive eating pattern, combining elements of the Mediterranean Diet and MIND Diet—rich in vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil.
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Choose healthy fats wisely. Increase Omega-3 sources (e.g., fatty fish) and avoid harmful trans fats.
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Limit refined sugars and refined carbohydrates to protect mood, cognition, and metabolic health.
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Ensure quality protein and adequate hydration to support neurotransmitter balance and optimal brain function.
Beyond nutrition, Rose also introduced a holistic “Brain Health Lifestyle Routine,” highlighting lifelong learning, regular physical activity, social interaction, quality sleep, and chronic disease management.
Hands-On Cooking Experience
Following the lecture, participants moved into a lively, heart-warming cooking workshop. Guided by nutrition professionals, seniors worked together to prepare a delicious and nourishing menu, including:
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Braised beef, stuffed shrimp mushrooms
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Okra with enoki salad, stir-fried carrot with wood ear mushroom
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Salt-roasted chickpeas, snow-skin mooncakes
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Cod tofu soup, golden pumpkin & white fungus lotus dessert
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Taro purée and goji-rice
The cooking session filled the room with laughter, teamwork, and the comfort of shared food. Participants gained practical kitchen skills while forming bonds that help reduce social isolation.
A Meaningful Impact
The event successfully integrated evidence-based nutrition education with interactive community engagement, providing seniors with knowledge, companionship, and the joy of creating and enjoying food together. It fully embodied the mission of the New Horizons for Seniors Program—to promote active living, reduce loneliness, and support mental and physical well-being.
ACPN Newsletter Announcement
Lecture & Workshop: Brain Health and Nutrition Balance
Followed by: Nourishing the Mind Through Cooking and Food Sharing
Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program
Nourishing Connections to Combat Loneliness by Cooking
The Association of Certified Professional Nutritionists (ACPN) proudly presents another session in our Nourishing Connections to Combat Loneliness by Cooking series. This event is co-organized with the Durham Foreveryoung Activity Centre, continuing our shared mission to promote senior wellness, lifelong learning, and community connection.
The session will begin with a lecture on Brain Health and Nutrition Balance, exploring how diet, lifestyle, and nutrient choices can help maintain memory, focus, and emotional well-being. Following the talk, participants will join a hands-on cooking and food-sharing workshop, where they can experience the joy of preparing and tasting delicious, balanced dishes together.
A balanced menu will feature light appetizers, hearty mains, and nourishing soup — all designed to support brain and heart health.
Event Details:
📅 Monday, November 24, 2025
🕐 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Splendid China (锦绣中华二楼 2D23)
4675 Steeles Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1V 4S4
📞 Contact: Jim Tai – 416-829-3869
Join us to learn, cook, and connect — bringing warmth and laughter to this winter season.
讲座与工作坊：大脑健康与营养平衡
主题延续：以烹饪与美食分享滋养身心
本活动由加拿大政府**New Horizons for Seniors Program（长者新视野计划）资助。
加拿大注册执业营养师公会（ACPN）荣幸呈献本系列活动的又一场——
“以烹饪连结心灵、以营养驱散孤独”。
本次活动由杜兰永远年轻活动中心（Durham Foreveryoung Activity Centre）**协办，
共同致力于促进长者健康、终身学习与社区交流。
活动将以**“老年大脑健康与营养平衡”专题讲座开场，
探讨饮食、生活方式与营养选择如何帮助维持记忆力、专注力及情绪健康。
讲座结束后，参与者将加入互动烹饪与美食分享工作坊**，
亲身体验烹饪与品尝美食的乐趣，在交流中感受温暖与连结。
活动餐单包含清爽开胃菜、营养主菜及滋补靓汤，
皆以促进大脑与心血管健康为目标精心设计。
活动详情：
📅 2025年11月24日（星期一）
🕐 下午 12:00 – 4:00
📍 锦绣中华二楼 2D23（Splendid China, 4675 Steeles Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1V 4S4）
📞 联络人：Jim Tai – 416-829-3869
诚邀您一同学习、烹饪与分享——
在冬日里，用笑声与温情温暖彼此的心。