Why CHEER Academy matters (and why your brain will thank you)

Here’s the headline: lifestyle choices, like movement, nutritious food, social connection, and mental challenge, can help protect thinking and memory. The Alzheimer’s Association’s U.S. POINTER study, a large U.S. clinical trial, recently reported that two structured “multi-domain” lifestyle programs (physical activity, improved nutrition, cognitive and social challenge, and regular health monitoring) improved cognition in older adults at risk of cognitive decline over nearly two years. The more structured version did even better. That’s big news, and it matches exactly what CHEER Academy is built to deliver: a friendly, real-life routine of moving, learning, laughing, and staying connected for those aged 50+.

What you’ll find at CHEER Academy

Our curriculum blends body, mind, and community, because healthy aging isn’t one-dimensional. You can expect:

• Physical fitness (e.g., Yoga Basics, Chair Aerobics, Tai Chi, Strength Training, Zumba for Beginners) to build balance, endurance, and confidence.
• Nutrition & cooking (Healthy Cooking, Healthy Heart Workshop, Diabetes Management) to make smart eating delicious and doable.
• Mental wellness & “brain fitness” (Mindfulness & Meditation, Brain Games) to reduce stress and sharpen thinking.
• Technology safety (Computer basics with a strong fraud-prevention focus) to help you stay connected, safely.
• Social engagement & creative outlets (Art for Well being, Gardening for Health) because friendship and purpose are powerful medicine.

Spring Semester Coming Soon!

Courses meet for 12 Weeks, starting the week of April 6th, 2026. Classes run in rotating semesters at all CHEER centers, with two courses per site each semester and a blend of daytime, evening, and weekend sessions to fit your life. Some classes will be offered virtually online so you can participate from anywhere.

Spring Semester Registration Begins Monday, March 9

Have a passion? Come teach it.

Do you love watercolor, line dancing, birding, Spanish, genealogy, competitive sock pairing, or budgeting on a fixed income? We’re recruiting instructors and course organizers who are excited to share what they know with neighbors 50+. Call Jacquie Reilley at 302-515-0001 x1167 or email jreilley@cheerde.com.

We are now hiring Classroom Assistants!

Friendly class assistants and blended-learning tech support help keep teaching simple and fun.
We are also recruiting classroom assistants.