Aging Like a Pro

Want to age with energy, clarity, and confidence? This episode of the Aging Like A Pro  podcast is your roadmap to doing just that. Join host Rosa Hart as she chats with Susan Fox Rosellini from the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Miami. Together, they bust pervasive myths about aging and unpack the 9 Necessities for Healthy Aging—practical strategies to keep your body and brain in top shape. From daily habits like eating well and staying active, to the deeper benefits of sleep, social connection, and stress management, Susan breaks it all down with insight and encouragement. You’ll also hear why managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking are non-negotiables for a vibrant later life. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with science-backed tips to help you live your best life—at any age. ------ Aging Like a Pro began as a healthy aging seminar series in partnership with community centers, libraries and senior organizations that focuses on mitigating social isolation and loneliness while offering information for healthy aging and brain health. Genetic factors cannot be controlled, but many environmental and lifestyle factors can be prevented or managed to reduce risk of memory decline and even Alzheimer’s disease. If you are interested in learning more about how you can participate in the cutting-edge research being done at the University of Miami’s McKnight Brain Institute, contact us here: umiamimbi@miami.edu   We wish to thank the Ansin Foundation, Community Foundation of Broward, and the McKnight Brain Research Foundation for their support. Learn more at: https://mbi-umiami.org/about-mbi/   Guest Bio: Susan Fox-Rosellini, M.B.A., brings over 35 years of experience in business development, product innovation, and revenue growth across for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She currently serves as Executive Director of Administration and Community Engagement at the McKnight Brain Institute, where she leads strategic initiatives and community programs while pursuing her Doctorate in Health Policy and Administration at UAB (expected 2026). Susan holds a B.B.A. from George Washington University and an M.B.A. from the University of Miami. Previously, she served as Executive Director of Development and Marketing for the Department of Neurology, significantly expanding its endowment and giving portfolio.   Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-fox-rosellini-17a5101ab/   Host Bio: Rosa Hart, BSN, RN, SCRN combines her expertise in neuro care and patient advocacy with a passion for storytelling. She is the creator and host of the internationally award-winning podcast "Stronger After Stroke", developed for the Norton Neuroscience Institute. This resource has reached stroke survivors and their loved ones worldwide, providing hope and practical strategies for achieving their best quality of life after stroke. Consequently, she is dedicated to amplifying public health messaging through media.   Connect on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-hart-scrn/

What if your favorite song could unlock forgotten memories? Hear about the latest discoveries from Dr. Xiaoyan Sun, a neurologist and leading voice in cognitive aging research, to explore how music can enhance memory. It can even improve emotional well-being in older adults—especially those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease. What You’ll Learn: Dr. Sun shares a powerful reminder from Dr. M. Lee Pearce: "What good is all the medical science in the world in extending life if it is not accompanied by an acceptable quality of life?"  If you or a loved one are navigating memory changes, or you're simply curious about how music supports aging brains, this episode is a must-listen!  ------- Aging Like a Pro began as a healthy aging seminar series in partnership with community centers, libraries and senior organizations that focuses on mitigating social isolation and loneliness while offering information for healthy aging and brain health.   Genetic factors cannot be controlled, but many environmental and lifestyle factors can be prevented or managed to reduce risk of memory decline and even Alzheimer’s disease.   If you are interested in learning more about how you can participate in the cutting-edge research being done at the University of Miami’s McKnight Brain Institute, contact us here: umiamimbi@miami.edu   We wish to thank the Ansin Foundation, Community Foundation of Broward, and the McKnight Brain Research Foundation for their support.   Guest Bio: Dr. Xiaoyan Sun is a board-certified neurologist with specialized training in cognitive and behavioral neurology. Her global medical journey began in China, where she earned her M.D., followed by a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Japan. After completing her neurology residency in South Carolina and fellowship training in Boston, she now serves patients with memory and cognitive issues at the University of Miami’s Memory Disorder Clinic. As Clinical Director at the Brain Endowment Bank, she leads clinical diagnosis of donor brains. Dr. Sun is also a dedicated educator and researcher, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.   Learn more at: https://mbi-umiami.org/about-mbi/   Host Bio: Rosa Hart, BSN, RN, SCRN combines her expertise in neuro care and patient advocacy with a passion for storytelling. She is the creator and host of the internationally award-winning podcast "Stronger After Stroke", developed for the Norton Neuroscience Institute. This resource has reached stroke survivors and their loved ones worldwide, providing hope and practical strategies for achieving their best quality of life after stroke. Consequently, she is dedicated to amplifying public health messaging through media.   Connect on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-hart-scrn/  

While we can’t change our genes, we can take control of environmental and lifestyle factors to lower the risk of memory decline and even Alzheimer’s disease. Tune in as we explore actionable strategies, expert insights, and inspiring stories to help you age like a pro!

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Sonya Kaur, an expert in cognitive neuroscience from the University of Miami, reveals how mindfulness can transform mental health and promote graceful aging. She distinguishes between 'doing' and 'being' mindsets, offering practical tips for daily mindfulness practice. The conversation highlights mindfulness's benefits for managing anxiety and enhancing neuroplasticity. Dr. Kaur also emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and leads a hands-on exercise to help listeners cultivate mindfulness in their lives.

Join Dr. Nicole Beaton Sur, a Vascular Neurologist at the University of Miami, as she explores the intricate link between nutrition and brain health. Discover how essential macronutrients fuel cognitive functions and learn which foods enhance brain vitality while steering clear of those that don’t. Dr. Sur also shares practical tips for grocery shopping and meal planning to foster resilience against age-related decline. Uncover how embracing smart eating habits can empower your journey to a healthier, sharper mind.

Dr. Christian Agudelo, a sleep neurologist from the University of Miami, dives into the critical link between sleep and brain health. He explains how different stages of sleep support mental restoration, with non-REM sleep 'cleaning' the brain and REM sleep aiding memory consolidation. Discover the profound benefits of quality sleep, from boosting mood to protecting against cognitive decline. Agudelo shares practical sleep hygiene tips like maintaining a consistent schedule and creating a calming bedtime routine for optimal rest.

Ready to unlock the secrets to healthy aging? Tune in to the Aging Like A Pro Podcast as Dr. Tatjana Rundek, a leading expert in brain health, dives into the latest research on aging and how we can put science into practice to boost brain health, prevent cognitive decline, and live our best lives—at any age. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on transforming knowledge into action!Aging Like a Pro began as a healthy aging seminar series in partnership with community centers, libraries and senior organizations that focuses on mitigating social isolation and loneliness while offering information for healthy aging and brain health.Genetic factors cannot be controlled, but many environmental and lifestyle factors can be prevented or managed to reduce risk of memory decline and even Alzheimer’s disease.If you are interested in learning more about how you can participate in the cutting-edge research being done at the University of Miami’s McKnight Brain Institute, contact us here:umiamimbi@miami.eduWe wish to thank the Ansin Foundation, Community Foundation of Broward, and the McKnight Brain Research Foundation for their support.Guest Bio:Dr. Tatjana Rundek, MD, PhD, FANA is a Professor of Neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she serves as Executive Vice Chair of Research and Faculty Affairs, Director of Clinical Translational Research, and Director of the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute. A vascular neurologist and clinical researcher, she leads NIH-funded projects on stroke, age-related memory loss, cognitive decline, and brain health, collaborating nationally and internationally on major studies. With over 500 peer-reviewed publications, she is also an accomplished educator and mentor, directing research training programs such as StrokeNet and NeuroNEXT. Dr. Rundek has held leadership roles in organizations like the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission and the American Institute in Ultrasound in Medicine and has earned prestigious awards, including the AHA Mentor Award and the Women in Academic Medicine Career Achievement Award. She continues as a member of the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine in Florida (ASEMFL) engaging in collaborations and discussions across the State of Florida about research and brain health challenges our society faces. She has recently been elected as the newest member of the Florida ADRC REC Steering Committee.https://mbi-umiami.org/Host Bio:Rosa Hart, BSN, RN, SCRN combines her expertise in neuro care and patient advocacy with a passion for storytelling. She is the creator and host of the internationally award-winning podcast "Stronger After Stroke", developed for the Norton Neuroscience Institute. This resource has reached stroke survivors and their loved ones worldwide, providing hope and practical strategies for achieving their best quality of life after stroke. Consequently, she is dedicated to amplifying public health messaging through media.Connect on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-hart-scrn/