Thrive: A Brain Health Retreat For Aging Well

Thrive is a brain health retreat for aging well, held over a weekend at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. Offered in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association Brain Health Advancement Institute, it is for anyone who wants to turn current research on lifestyle and brain health into everyday practice. Meditation is led by Sue Schneider, Ph.D., and yoga and accessible movement by Patti Sterns.

What to Expect

The weekend runs from a Friday afternoon arrival to a Sunday departure, and it draws on findings from the U.S. POINTER study. Rather than only hearing about the science, you experience many of the lifestyle factors it highlights: movement, mindfulness, nourishing food, social connection, rest, and time in nature.

Friday begins with arrival and registration in the afternoon, an orientation, dinner, and an evening opening session on understanding brain health as a whole-person matter.

Saturday is the fullest day. It opens with breakfast, gentle morning yoga, a session on the brain-mind-body connection, and mindfulness meditation. After lunch there is an optional stupa tour, then a lovingkindness meditation, breakout groups, and a walking meditation before dinner. The evening turns toward calm, with reflections and stories, yoga nidra, and an optional meditation practice.

Sunday starts with breakfast, gentle yoga, and a wandering meditation. A closing circle follows, with next steps and a Q&A, then lunch and farewells.

You will hear talks from a brain health expert, try hands-on healthy-eating ideas, and leave with practical strategies you can realistically fit into your own life, along with a personal vision for supporting your brain in the years ahead. The aim is approachable habits, not a complete overhaul.

About Sue Schneider

Sue Schneider, Ph.D., is a medical anthropologist, integrative health coach, and mindfulness instructor. For over a decade she has taught mindfulness meditation to thousands of adult students in university and community settings, and she has offered trauma-informed mindfulness training to educators, therapists, and coaches. At Thrive she guides the meditation sessions.

About Patti Sterns

Patti Sterns leads the yoga and accessible movement classes, including the gentle morning yoga on Saturday and Sunday.

The Setting

Drala Mountain Center sits near Red Feather Lakes in northern Colorado, with retreat grounds and natural surroundings that are part of the program. Lodging is chosen at checkout, and every option includes meals and drinks.

- Dormitories: gender-segregated rooms for up to seven or eight people, with a shared bathroom down the hall.
- Monk Rooms: private rooms with a bed, bedding, closet, large window, and desk and chair, plus a shared bathroom. They are a more affordable option with more privacy than the dorms.
- Single and Double Rooms: private rooms with a dresser, closet, and an attached bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower.
- Junior Suite: a queen bed, desk, dresser, closet, sitting area, and a private bath with a bathtub.

Meals are plant-forward, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Extra nights can be added at a reduced rate.

Before You Go

Thrive welcomes all levels. People new to meditation, yoga, and mindfulness are as welcome as experienced practitioners, and the movement and guided sessions are accessible to varying abilities. The retreat is taught in English.

Tuition covers the brain health talks and workshops, guided meditation, yoga and movement classes, all meals and beverages, and access to the grounds. Two nights of lodging are part of the weekend.