Our Programs

There are five dementia risk domains that we can address to maintain healthy brain aging:

Social Connections

People who are socially connected are more likely to maintain their cognition with age.

Brain-Healthy Eating

Healthy eating is associated with better cognitive function and lower dementia risk.

Cognitive Engagement

Engaging in arts and crafts, performing arts, and lecture series improves cognition.

Mental Wellbeing

Practicing regular meditation, yoga, etc. can benefits cognition and brain health.

Physical Activity

Exercise improves cognition, mood, and brain health. It even produces new neurons!

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About our Programs

At the Kimel Family Centre, we’ve developed lifestyle and wellness programs to help you address your specific dementia risk factors. Once you have your personalized programming strategy, you can register for programs.

*Programs are subject to change each term

View 2026 Program Guide

Register for Programs

Based on your personalized programming strategy, you may be participating in one or more of the following program categories:

Fitness & Aquatics
Lectures & Continued Education
Mind, Body, and Soul Wellness
Performing Arts
Nutrition & Cooking
Fine Arts & Crafts
Events, Games, and Social Clubs

Program Recommendations

Muscle Strengthening: 3-4 per week, no more than 1 class per day
Aerobic Exercises: 3-4 per week, no more than 1 class per day
Balance and Function: aim for 3-4 per week

Our programs are offered seasonally:

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Fall (September - December)

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Winter (January - April)

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Spring/Summer (May - August)

Learn more about what it means to be a member

Program Highlights

Learn more below

Members will have the choice of small to large group classes, and can participate in one-off and multiple sessions. Members also will participate in foundational courses.

We recruit subject matter experts to teach our programs, and work closely with schools to ensure opportunities for intergenerational experiences.

At the end of each program, we conduct formal program evaluations for members to share feedback on experiences at the Kimel Family Centre. Members also have the opportunity to share feedback via our suggestion box.

Please note: Baycrest respects the practices and spirit of the Jewish holy days, festive days, and the Sabbath.

Foundational Courses

We want to ensure you start off on the right foot, right from day one. That’s why members are offered foundational classes to kick off their program.

S.M.A.R.T Goal Setting

(For all members)
Making healthy life choices can be difficult, and the S.M.A.R.T Goal Setting Course is here to help. S.M.A.R.T goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. These goals are easier to achieve because they provide clearly defined objectives based on the reality of our lives. That way, as you move through your programs, you can continue to track your progress.

Food Literacy Courses

(For all members)

If your assessment reveals that nutrition is a risk factor, you will participate in five specialty courses designed to enhance your food literacy. These courses include:

Eat, Smart, Think Sharp: Nutrition for Brain Health
Power your Plate with Protein
The Sweet and Salty Truth: Risk, Benefits, and Balance of Salt and Sugar
Fruits and Vegetables for Optimal Health
Decode the Label: Making Healthier Food Choices

Our activity spaces

Pool

Re-energize or exercise in our warm water pool, accessible by a gently descending staircase or easy-to-operate chairlift.

Activity Room A

Soft flooring makes this room the perfect space for multipurpose activities such as floor exercises, dance classes, table-top games, or book clubs.

Activity Room B

This light-filled space is equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual technology to support your learning whether attending a lecture or a course.

Stan’s Gym

Designed by professionals in the field, our fitness centre is equipped with state-of-art equipment that is sure to give you a jump start on your health goals.

Creative Arts Studio

Our studio supports the creation and exhibition of artistic talents, in a large, natural light-filled space.

Open Air Theatre

Large modular chairs and soft lighting means you can enjoy a movie-style experience or town hall meeting in a comfortable, accessible atmosphere.

Feedback

Do you envision more innovative and effective avenues to centre operations? If so, share your feedback with us.

FEEDBACK FORM

Questions about Programs? Read our FAQs

Where do I find the most up to date program information?

Occasionally, program information is updated after the printing of our Activity Guide. Please refer to the website or call our reception at 416-785-2500 ext. 3666 to receive the most up-to-date information.

Do I have to be a part of the research study in order to participate in programs?

Yes, as a research-based community centre, members must be a part of the research study in order to participate in programs.

What kinds of programs do you have?

We have something for everyone! Here is a full list of our program categories:

Fitness & Aquatics
Lectures & Continued Education
Mind, Body & Soul Wellness
Performing Arts
Nutrition & Cooking
Fine Arts & Crafts
Events, Games, & Social Clubs

Do I have to pay for programs and/or program materials?

All programs and program materials are included as part of your monthly membership fee + tax.

Do I need to register for programs?

Yes, you need to resgister for all programs you wish to attend.

Are the gym and pool supervised by instructors?

The gym and/or pool may be unsupervised during certain hours of operation thus using the facility is at your own discretion; a buddy system for the pool is highly recommended. It is your responsibility to obtain training in the proper use of any equipment prior to any use thereof.

How will I know if a program has been canceled?

The Kimel Family Centre reserves the right to cancel any program that does not meet the minimum registration requirements and/or a facility or instructor becomes unavailable. If programs are canceled, members will be contacted via email and/or phone, and will be updated if the class is able to be rescheduled.

What if I can’t come to my program? Can I make-up for a missed class?

Make-up classes for missed classes are not available. Members must inform the Administrative Team at least 48 hours in advance if they are unable to attend a class. Notice given at least 12 hours prior will be accepted, cancellations made less than 12 hours in advance will be counted as a no-show. Members who have 3 no-shows will be contacted by the Membership Team. If members anticipate missing more than two classes in a course, we encourage registering for drop-in classes instead of the multi-week session.

Is there a waitlist if the program fills up before I am able to register for it?

In the event that a program is full, members may join our waitlist. Placing yourself on the waitlist will help us understand community interest and determine if additional programming is needed. If space becomes available, the first person on the waitlist will be contacted via telephone and offered the space.

About The Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness

The Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness is a research unit within the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education.

The Kimel Family Centre offers a variety of health, wellness and interest programs to qualifying individuals who register for a paid membership. You will be told what types of programs to focus on based on a detailed dementia risk assessment.

Members are enrolled in a research study that examines how participation in programs addressing one’s particular set of dementia risk factors helps to reduce dementia risk, improve health, and improve cognitive functioning.

All members must be actively enrolled in the research study as a condition of membership, except for Baycrest Terraces and 2 Neptune residents who are able to opt-out of the research study and still participate in programs.

If you are interested in applying for a membership and participating in the research study, please complete the Prospective Membership form. The Kimel Family Centre will contact you to tell you about the programs and the research study and determine if you meet the criteria for participation. If you qualify, you will be invited to sign a Membership Agreement & Liability Waiver to participate in the programs and a separate Informed Consent Form to participate in the research study.

The Membership Agreement & Liability Waiver and Kimel Family Centre Privacy Policy govern your membership and participation in the Programs.

The Informed Consent Form documents your consent to participate in the research study and sets out your obligations and rights in connection with the research study.

Your use of the Kimel Family Centre website is governed by the Kimel Family Centre Website Terms of Use and the Kimel Family Centre Privacy Policy posted on the Website.