AARP Walk With a Doc

🟢 Walk with a Doc: December Brain Health Program

• Special Guest Chef Jillian Zebris (Chefs for Seniors) for the December Walk with a Doc Brain Health program in Merritt Island.
• Special Guest Rachel Gray (Mosaic 22) brings an Introduction to Chair Yoga for best Brain Health at our special December Walk with a Doc Brain Health program in Merritt Island at Merritt Square Mall.

AARP Florida Brain Health Initiative

900am – Friday December 11th 2026 – Merritt Square Mall

Come Walk (and Learn) with us! Free, Fun and Informatve – with snacks and door prizes too – join us at Merritt Square Mall (Cineman Entrance).

Walk with a Doc | Merritt Island | December 2026

Why AARP Is Supporting Brain Health Programming

At AARP, we believe that maintaining brain health is an important part of healthy aging. Through our work in communities across Florida, we encourage older adults to take proactive steps to support their physical, mental, and cognitive well-being.

Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible ways to support brain health. Regular physical activity supports healthy blood flow, cardiovascular health, and overall brain function. Research also suggests that staying physically active may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we age.

That’s why AARP Florida is proud to support Walk with a Doc programs throughout Central Florida, including our Merritt Island chapter.

Why Walk with a Doc Matters for Brain Health

Walk with a Doc is about much more than walking. It’s about building healthier brains, healthier bodies, and stronger community connections.

The program brings together several important components of healthy aging:

• Physical Activity: Regular walking supports cardiovascular health, circulation, and cognitive well-being. Even small amounts of movement can contribute to better overall health.
• Social Connections: Walking alongside friends, neighbors, and healthcare professionals creates opportunities for meaningful social interaction. Staying socially connected is associated with better cognitive health and emotional well-being.
• Mental Engagement: Each walk includes a health discussion led by a medical professional, encouraging participants to learn something new, ask questions, and stay mentally engaged.
• Stress Reduction: Physical activity and positive social interactions can help reduce stress and support emotional wellness.
• Building Healthy Habits: Monthly walks encourage participants to establish routines that prioritize movement, connection, and lifelong wellness.

Special December Brain Health Activities

To further emphasize the connection between healthy lifestyles and brain health, AARP Florida is supporting special wellness activities during the December Merritt Island Walk with a Doc event.

These activities include:

Healthy Nutrition Demonstrations with Chef Jillian

Nutrition plays an important role in supporting brain health. These demonstrations will introduce participants to nutritious ingredients and simple ways to incorporate brain-healthy foods into their daily routines.

Chair Yoga with Rachel Gray

Gentle movement, stretching, and balance exercises can support physical mobility, relaxation, and overall well-being. Chair yoga offers an accessible way for older adults of varying abilities to participate in physical activity.

Community Walking and Social Engagement

Participants will continue to enjoy the core Walk with a Doc experience, combining a health discussion, group walking, and opportunities to build meaningful connections with others.

AARP’s Commitment to Healthy Aging

AARP recognizes that brain health is influenced by multiple lifestyle factors, including physical activity, nutrition, sleep, social engagement, and managing cardiovascular risk factors.

Through initiatives such as AARP’s Staying Sharp program and our local Walk with a Doc partnerships, we aim to provide older adults with practical information and opportunities to make brain-healthy choices.

Our goal is to make brain health education approachable, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone.

By combining walking, nutrition education, gentle movement, and social connections, these special programs demonstrate that supporting brain health doesn’t have to be complicated.

“At AARP Florida, we believe brain health is an essential part of healthy aging, and walking is one of the easiest ways to support it. Our Walk with a Doc programs bring together physical activity, health education, and meaningful social connections, all of which contribute to overall brain health. By adding special nutrition and wellness activities in November and December, we’re helping older adults discover simple, enjoyable ways to support their brain health while staying connected to their community.” – Yazmin Alfonso, Associate State Director, AARP Florida