Residents of Givens Highland Farms recently gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the campus’s new Brain Health Studio, an innovative space designed to support cognitive fitness, physical coordination, and overall well-being for older adults.
The ribbon cutting event marked an exciting milestone for the community and for Taryn Tindall, Longevity & Brain Health Director at Givens Communities, who spearheaded the initiative as its first official pilot program. Residents explored the studio through live demonstrations, asked questions, and signed up for orientations to help them safely and confidently incorporate the equipment into their wellness routines.
“This is truly a special day,” said Tindall. “The Brain Health Studio represents an important step forward in how we think about aging—empowering residents to actively maintain and even improve their cognitive and physical health.”
During the grand opening, Tindall introduced residents to the studio’s two primary pieces of equipment: the Dividat and SmartFit systems, both designed to combine cognitive and physical exercise in engaging, interactive ways. Givens Highland Farms Life Enrichment Wellness Specialist, Olive Wilbur, has played a key role in onboarding residents, leading orientations and helping participants feel comfortable using the equipment.
“Olive’s work has been instrumental in getting residents started,” Tindall noted. “Her enthusiasm and support have made a real difference in helping people embrace something new.”
The Dividat and SmartFit systems pair movement with cognitive challenges to support brain health. Dividat uses step-based exercises to boost memory, attention, and reaction time, while SmartFit focuses on balance, coordination, and agility through interactive, light-based training—helping residents maintain independence and reduce fall risk.
A standout feature of the Brain Health Studio is its ability to track individual progress over time. Each machine records performance data, allowing residents to see measurable improvements that can also be shared with physicians to monitor overall wellness.
Beyond its technology, the studio also fosters connection and engagement, serving as a social hub where residents can encourage one another. The grand opening reflected this sense of community, with participants cheering each other on and sharing excitement about trying something new.
Now open to residents, the Brain Health Studio represents an exciting step forward in whole-person wellness at Givens Highland Farms, with orientations continuing in the coming weeks.
This vision would not have been possible without the support of the Givens Foundation and its generous donors. The Givens Foundation is deeply grateful to all who helped bring the Brain Health Studio to life and who continue to invest in the health and well-being of residents. Those interested in supporting the Brain Health and Longevity Program can make a gift at the link here: https://givensphilanthropy.org/giving/
