Assisted Living Residences

approximately 70 miles wide. The towns and cities that lie within this path are preparing for an increase in tourist activity as people within driving distance travel to the path of totality to experience the full effect of the eclipse. According to scientist and eclipse enthusiast Bill Nye, a total solar eclipse is “spectacular. It goes dark. You can see stars in the middle of the day. Nocturnal animals start going about their business all of a sudden. It’s really odd and exciting.”

In addition to the sudden onset of night, a total eclipse causes the temperature to drop by as much as ten degrees in an instant.

Be sure to keep your eyes safe! The Programs Department will provide eclipse viewing glasses to protect your eyes while you appreciate the phenomenon from Cambridge.

The last total solar eclipse to traverse the entire continent occurred in 1918, the year the Red Sox won the World Series. Boston will not be in the path of totality of an eclipse until the year 2079.

On Monday, August 21st, a total solar eclipse will pass across the contiguous United States for the first time in 99 years. We will host a viewing party at 2:30 PM! Provided that skies are clear, our view from Cambridge should show us as 63% of the sun is covered by the passage of the moon. While this is not the total eclipse that will be visible from more southerly states, it should still be a sight to behold.

The total eclipse will begin at 10:15 AM Pacific Standard Time in western Oregon, darkening skies in a seventy-mile band across the country. One bride in Kansas has reportedly planned her wedding for the exact moment that the eclipse will pass over her home state! “I couldn’t think of a more dreamlike wedding,” she stated to the Kansas City Tribune, explaining her decision to time the wedding so that it coincides with the event.

On average, the total eclipse will last between two and two and a half minutes at a given point on the map. The zone in which the sun will be totally blocked, known as the “path of totality,” will be

Wild, Wild West Happy HourWednesday, August 30 at 4:00 PM Calling all cowboys and cowgirls! You are wanted for Youville’s Wild, Wild West Happy Hour. Be sure to wear your boots, jeans, and cowboy hats.

August 2017The Great American Solar Eclipse

The 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on September 24 in Cambridge. “Team Youville” is already organizing to ensure that we raise as much money as possible.

Last year marked Team Youville’s third appearance at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Our team of staff, family and friends raised over $6,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.

This year our goal is to raise even more money, so we are starting our efforts early! If you would like to contribute to a member of Team Youville, you may do so through The Walk to End Alzheimer’s web site. Just search for “Team Youville.” If you need help, the Programs Department will be happy to assist you.

Food Drive 2017As part of our Community Outreach Program, Youville House is collecting food donations for the month of August. Please bring in non-perishable food items from the list below to be donated to Salvation Army of Cambridge.

Please donate healthy, recently purchased food items. Please drop your food items at the Reception Desk. A good rule of thumb to follow: what would you give your friend or family member if he or she was in need?

Most Needed Food Items• Canned Proteins (tuna, chicken, salmon)• Canned Fruits & Vegetables• Peanut Butter• Canned & Boxed Meals–– soup, chili, macaroni and cheese• Canned or Dried Beans–– black, pinto, kidney, lentils• Pasta and Rice• Cereal–– low sugar, high fiber

Museum of ScienceIMAX Film: Amazon AdventureThursday, August 24 Depart: 12:15 PM Return: 2:30 PM Cost: $9.00Amazon Adventure tells the epic, true story of explorer Henry Bates’s 11-year journey through the Amazon rainforest in the 1850s. This immersive IMAX film recreates Bates’ life-risking journey in the name of science. Viewers will experience the compelling clues that Bates uncovers in his major discovery of mimicry, the phenomenon whereby certain animals adopt the look of others to help them deceive predators and gain an advantage to survive.

Little known to the public, Bates made other crucial contributions to biology. He identified 8,000 species new to science and made the first-ever case for the creation of a new species, laying a crucial foundation for Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

Lunch Trip: Port 305 at Marina BayThursday, August 31Depart: 11:30 AMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: $ for lunchEnjoy an elegant lunch with beautiful waterfront views on Marina Bay in Quincy. The menu at Port 305 features a variety of innovative dishes, as well as seafood classics, burgers and standard American cuisine.

Birds of Prey with Drumlin FarmFriday, August 4 at 2:00 PMMass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary is unique in its position as an environmental education center, working farm and wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary includes a collection of native wildlife on exhibit and is also a long-term care facility for injured or human habituated wildlife that cannot survive in the wild. This month, wildlife experts from Drumlin Farm will bring a menagerie of birds of prey to Youville! We will learn about each bird and get the chance to see them in person.

Community OutingsSave The Date: 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

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and has witnessed firsthand the many benefits dancing provides for the “over-55” community. Dance encourages good posture, offers low-impact, cardiovascular exercise and connects people through the skills of leading and following. Most importantly, it’s fun!

Secretaries of State Series with Gary HylanderJohn Quincy AdamsSunday, August 13 at 2:00 PMEstablished by Congress in 1789, the Secretary of State ranks first among the positions in the President’s Cabinet. This series will consider the personalities, policies and impact of six of America’s most influential Secretaries of State, beginning with John Quincy Adams. John Quincy Adams is remembered as one of the ablest and most far-sighted statesmen in American history. A tough negotiator, he was described by one British diplomat as a “bulldog among spaniels.” He was an aggressive advocate of American expansionism, creating the Monroe Doctrine, negotiating the acquisition of Florida and extending the American border to the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about Adams’ tenure as Secretary of State from Professor Gary Hylander, of Bridgewater State University.

Landscape Painting Class with Eddie BrucknerThursday, August 17 at 2:00 PMThis 1.5 hour class will guide participants through a traditional landscape painting. Working with acrylic paints, instructor Eddie Bruckner will demonstrate different techniques during hands-on painting such as the preparation of materials, color mixing and specific brush techniques. Space is limited, please sign up at the Reception Desk.

Drumming Circle with SoulWorks RhythmFriday, August 25 at 2:00 PMExperience the exhilaration of communal drumming! Learn the basics of drumming and musically collaborate with fellow residents. SoulWorks Rhythm will provide an array of drums and guide the group throughtraditional drumming techniques.

Broadway Seated Dance with Phyllis RittnerTuesday, August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 9:30 AMBroadway Seated Dance is a music and dance program for older adults who love the upbeat tunes from movie musicals, Broadway and the popular performers dazzling audiences between the 1930s and 1960s. This program includes a gentle warm up, easy-to-follow body movements and a relaxing cool down. The exercises are designed to improve cardiovascular function, range of motion, muscle tone, posture, circulation and flexibility. Be sure to join us on Tuesday mornings!

ArtMatters Presents . . . Paul CezanneThursday, August 3 at 2:00 PM“Compared to me, all my compatriots were idiots!” Paul Cezanne, the Post-Impressionist master, was not alone in this self-aggrandizing sentiment. Matisse called Cezanne “the mother of us all.” Picasso called Cezanne “the father of us all,” and went so far as to defend his reputation with a pistol! Join us as we consider Cezanne’s far-reaching influence on contemporary and subsequent artists.

Art Detectives with Elliott Friday, August 11 at 4:00 PMFriday, August 18 at 3:15 PMHone your “art detection” skills as you decode artworks to uncover information about the past. Join Programs Assistant, Elliott Weinstein, as he sharpens your knowledge of art history to help you comb through famous paintings, sculptures and photographs for historical and cultural clues. Each weekly session of “Art Detective” will focus on a different time period, artistic movement or theme within the cannon of art history. Don’t miss it!

Steps In Time- Ballroom Dancing with Michael WinwardTuesday, August 8 & 22 at 2:00 PM If you cherish fond memories of ballroom dancing, this program is for you! With instructor Michael Winward leading, participants of all abilities can learn (or relearn) new steps in a supportive and joyful environment. Michael has led classes throughout Greater Boston

Monthly Highlights...

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9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:15 Computer 101 2:00 Writing Workshop w/ Tom Daley 3:15 Book Review w/ Janet Boron 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: Beauty and the Beast 7:30 Movie: A Streetcar Named Desire 9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:15 Food Forum 2:00 Steps In Time w/ Michael Winward 3:00 Afternoon Treat: Root Beer Floats 4:00 Rosary 7:00 An Evening of Music w/ Pianist Nancy Day

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 Forever Fit! 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: Vertigo 7:15 Movie: Beauty and the Beast

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 Film in Politics Series w/ Professor George Jarnis 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Motown Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: March of the Penguins 7:15 Movie: Concussion

9:30 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Landscape Painting Class w/ Eddie Bruckner 3:15 Summertime Drinks & Farewell to Elliott 7:00 Movie: A Streetcar Named Desire 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: Vertigo

9:30 Balance Challenge 2:30 Outdoor Summer Concert Traditional American Folk Music w/ Martin Grosswendt & Suzanne Salem-Schatz 4:00 Art Detectives w/ Elliott 7:00 Movie: Nocturnal Animals 7:15 Movie: Frida

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Shopping Trip: Porter Sq. 2:00 Classical Pianist Rick Scalise 3:15 Art Detectives w/ Elliott 7:00 Bonus Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: The Intern

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Shopping Trip: Target 2:00 Drumming Circle w/ SoulWorks Rhythm 3:15 August Jeopardy Trivia 7:00 Movie: A Coffee in Berlin 7:15 Movie: Ocean’s Eleven

9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 2:00 Great Courses on DVD: The Historical Jesus 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Gone with the Wind 7:15 Movie: Meru

2:00 Bridge Club 2:00 Matinee Movie: Queen of Katwe7:00 Movie: Queen of Katwe7:15 Movie: Where’s Amelia Earhart?

2:00 Bridge Club 2:00 History Lecture: Secretaries of State Series John Quincy Adams w/ Gary Hylander 7:00 Movie: Meru 7:15 Movie: Gone with the Wind

2:00 Bridge Club 2:00 Matinee Movie: Welcome to Mars: Nova 7:00 Movie: Welcome to Mars: Nova7:15 Movie: Concussion

Catholic Mass Daily at 10:45 AM

Beauty Salon OpenWednesday & Saturday

9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Trader Joe’s 2:00 Great Courses on DVD: The Historical Jesus 2:30 Solar Eclipse Viewing 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Songs by Roy

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9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:15 Programs Planning Mtg. 2:00 Steps In Time w/ Michael Winward 3:00 Afternoon Treat: Milkshakes 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: Carmen 7:15 Movie: The Wizard of Oz

9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Whole Foods 2:00 MIT Robotics Lecture w/ Nikhita Singh & Stefania Druga 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: The Wizard of Oz 7:15 Movie: Carmen

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:00 Nurse’s Chat 12:15 Trip: IMAX Movie at the Museum of Science 3:15 Summertime Drinks 7:00 Movie: Ocean’s Eleven 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: March of the Penguins

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 World Views w/ Herb P. 3:00 Sign Language w/ Christine 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Book Lovers Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: Closely Watched Trains 7:15 Movie: Nocturnal Animals

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9:30 Stretch & Flex 2:00 From Russia with Love w/ Richard Travers 3:15 Summertime Drinks 7:00 Movie: Stagecoach 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: Closely Watched Trains

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Through the Eyes of a Buffalo Solider 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Moby Dick 7:15 Movie: The Robe

2:00 Bridge Club 2:00 Matinee Movie: Moana 7:00 Movie: Moana 7:15 Movie: Collateral Beauty

9:30 Balance Challenge 12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 2:00 Great Courses on DVD The Historical Jesus 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Collateral Beauty 7:15 Movie: Sing

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Mutiny on Bounty 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 3:00 A Time for Writing w/ Sally 7:00 Movie: Mutiny on Bounty 7:15 Movie: Frida

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Inferno 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Inferno 7:15 Movie: The Intern

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Amour 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 3:00 A Time for Writing w/ Sally 7:00 Movie: Amour 7:15 Movie: A Coffee in Berlin

August 2017

Parkinson’s Support Group Tuesday, August 15

at 3:00 PM

RosaryTuesday at 4:00 PM

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:15 Computer 101 2:00 Writing Workshop w/ Tom Daley 3:00 Craft Connection 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: Sing 7:15 Movie: Pollock

9:30 Stretch & Flex 10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 Western Matinee Movie: The Quick and the Dead 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Wild, Wild West Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: Strangers on a Train 7:15 Movie: The Founder

Transportation HoursMonday - Friday

8:00 AM- 2:00 PM

9:30 Yoga w/ Veronica Wolff11:30 Lunch Trip: Port 305 at Marina Bay 2:00 Matinee Movie: Jane Eyre 3:15 Summertime Drinks 7:00 Movie: Pollock 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: Strangers on a Train

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:15 Computer 101 2:00 Writing Workshop w/ Tom Daley 3:15 Staying Within the Lines 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: To Kill Mockingbird 7:15 Movie: Witness for the Prosecution

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 Forever Fit! 3:00 Sign Language w/ Christine 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: The Pianist 7:15 Movie: My Life as a Turkey

9:30 Yoga w/ Annie Hoffman 2:00 ArtMatters Presents... Paul Cezanne 3:15 Summertime Drinks 7:00 Movie: My Life as a Turkey 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: The Pianist

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Shopping Trip: Porter Sq. 2:00 Birds of Prey w/ Drumlin Farm 3:15 Netflix Special: Victoria 7:00 Bonus Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Where’s Amelia Earhart?

Citrus Fruit: The New Dementia Prevention?

Citrus fruit has long been known to contain enormous amounts of vitamin C, an important nutrient that supports immune function. More recently, Vitamin C is taking a back seat to another chemical found in citrus fruits, called nobiletin, which has been linked to reduced risk of developing dementia.

A large study in Japan was released last month, in which researchers from Tohoku University in Japan studied over 13,000 older adults over a period of seven years. The study included controls for a variety of other factors like chronic health conditions and consumption of other fruits and vegetables. After accounting for these factors, researchers still found that the effects of eating citrus fruit alone was dramatic. Those who ate a serving of citrus food at least once a day reduced their likelihood of developing dementia by 23 percent.

This being a new study, more information is needed to understand how and why citrus fruit might protect the brain from cognitive decline. One theory is that a chemical called nobiletin, present in citric acid and linked to cognitive performance in a few animal studies, is related to the study on humans.

Examples of citrus fruit include clementines, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, kumquats, pomelos and tangerines. Keep these sweet, healthy treats in mind the next time you are composing your shopping list or looking for a sweet snack!fd

Visit our blog and “like” us on FacebookThis newsletter comes out once a month. Interested in connecting with us more often? Visit our blog any time for the latest news, articles and photos. To access the blog, visit the Youville website at www.youvilleassistedliving.org and click “Visit our Blog.” Or, “like” us on Facebook. When you “like” us on Facebook, we will send you updates and links to the most recent items posted on the blog. Just search for Youville Assisted Living on Facebook and click “like.” See you on the web!

Have you ever thought that gratitude was just for your “happy-go-lucky” friends? In fact, researchers have found that all of us should embrace gratitude and we can even create a gratitude pathway in our brains. Four ways gratitude can improve your life• Friendships - a study found that thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek a lasting relationship.• Psychological health - grateful people suffer fewer bouts of depression. • Compassion - those who express their gratitude are more forgiving and less likely to seek revenge. • Resilience - grateful people can overcome trauma more easily and can bounce back from stressful situations. How can you become a gratitude-filled person? • Say “thank you” to others more often. • Complain less often. • Chose to smile instead of frown or scowl.

If you are interested in developing a more positive personality, you might consider these tips from a colleague of mine in California, Loretta Graziano Breuning, Ph.D., author of Habits of a Happy Brain. According to Dr. Breuning, here’s how you can wire your brain to see good in the world. 1) You can focus on the good for three minutes a day, or 2) You can focus on gratitude for one minute, three times a day.

Dr. Breuning pointed out that you must keep up the gratitude focus for 45 days even if it seems fake or foolish. But here is the catch. Dr. Breuning said: “If you miss a day, start over from Day One. You must go 45 days straight because that is what it takes to create a neuropathway in your brain.

Trailblazing takes a lot of focused energy. Make your energy available for gratitude. You’ll be so happy that you did.”

Rita Watson, a Yale M.P.H., is a Youville House resident who writes “With Love and Gratitude” for PsychologyToday.com. This was adapted from her columns.

Become a Gratitude Trailblazer by Rita Watson

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MIT Robotics Lecture & DemoMonday, August 7 at 2:00 PMGraduate researchers Nikhita Singh and Stefania Druga will present their researchon the social aspects of artificial intelligence. Their research has been used to develop “personal use” robots, such as storytelling companions for children, literacy analysis in early education, agricultural uses such as environmentally friendly pesticide delivery systems. Nikhita and Stefaniaare particularly interested in how robots and humans interact. They will bring a few of their robots to Youville to show them off and examine how residents interact with them. If you are interested in learning about artificial intelligence or interacting with a robot, you won’t want to miss this fascinating presentation.

Pulitzer Prize Winning Musicalswith Richard TraversThursday, August 10 at 2:00 PMDid you know that nine musicals have won the Pulitzer Prize? Presented by music historian Richard Travers, this multi-media presentation will consider the songs and stories of the writers, composers and performers involved in Of Thee I Sing, South Pacific, Fiorello!, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, A Chorus Line, Sunday in the Park with George, Rent, Next to Normal and Hamilton.

The Political Film Series with Professor George JarnisFilm and Native AmericansWednesday, August 23 at 2:00 PMFilm is an important medium for portraying political culture and behavior. Presented by George Jarnis, Professor Emeritus at Framingham State University, the Political Film series explores American political film throughout the 20th century. This month, Professor Jar-nis will focus on portrayals of Native Americans in film. This lecture will explore how changing stereotypes and myths affected the depiction of Native Americans.Professor George Jarnis (Ph.D., Tufts University) served as Chair of the Department of Political Science at Framingham State University for 27 years.

Grow as a Person Opportunities this Month

Porter SquareFriday, August 4 & 18Time: 10:15 AM Return: 12:00 PM

Whole FoodsMonday, August 7Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PM

Star MarketMonday, August 14 & 28Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PM

Trader Joe’sMonday, August 21Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PM

TargetFriday, August 25Time: 10:15 PM Return: 12:00 PM

Shopping Trips

Concert Highlights in AugustOutdoor Summer ConcertTraditional American Folk Musicwith Martin Grosswendt & Susanne Salem-SchatzFriday, August 11 at 2:30 PM Martin and Susanne bring traditional American folk music to life for audiences throughout the country. Their repertoire includes classic blues, folk, old-time and country hits by the likes of Pete Seeger, Leadbelly, Woody Guthrie and The Carter Family. They bring captivating vocal harmonies to their performances while encouraging audience participation to favorites such as “Goodnight, Irene” and “You Are My Sunshine.”

An Evening of Music with Nancy DayFriday, August 22 at 7:00 PMAn accomplished pianist, singer and composer, Nancy Day consistently thrills audiences with her dynamic performances. She draws from a wide-ranging repertoire that includes jazz, country, ragtime, musical theater and enchanting love songs.

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August Meetings

Programs Planning Meetingw/ Lead Programs Assistant, Patrice PriceTuesday, August 8 at 10:15 AM

Food Forum w/ Director of Dining Services, JoJo JohnstonTuesday, August 22 at 10:15 AM

Nurse’s Chat w/ Director of Wellness, Lydia KirundaThursday, August 24 at 10:00 AM

Meal TimesMain Dining Room

Breakfast7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

LunchFirst Seating - 11:30 AMSecond Seating - 12:45 PMDinnerFirst Seating - 4:30 PMSecond Seating - 5:45 PM

Catholic Mass Monthly schedule posted in lobby

Youville House Management TeamNicole Breslin CEO/President Joanne Scianna COOLydia Kirunda Director of WellnessKatie Blanchard Director of Programs Yanira Motto Director of MarketingBruce Jordan Director of Environmental ServicesVirginia Ellis Director of Community LifeScott Brigante Director of Communications & Community Outreach Maria Benoit Director of Mission & Spiritual CareJoanne Johnston Director of Dining ServicesTom Landry Director of Human ResourcesPaula Desmond-Wallace Regional ControllerIldiko Szabo Community Life Coordinator

Programs / Menu Hotline... Hear a recorded list of the daily programs and the menu for lunch and dinner at Youville House. Simply call (857) 253-2024 directly or call the Reception Desk and the receptionist will connect you.

Car/Van Transportation Monday through Friday8:00 AM - 2:00 PMPlease submit your requests for transportation to the Reception Desk forty-eight hours before the date of your appointment. Requests with less than forty-eight hours notice will be accommodated whenever possible, but not guaranteed. The fee for transportation is $10.00 for Cambridge and $20.00 for surrounding communities. As always, we will do our best to meet your needs. If you have any questions, feel free to stop by or call.

Katie Blanchard, Director of Programs

Shopping RequestsYouville offers concierge service for your shopping needs on Mondays and Fridays. Shopping forms are available at the Reception desk. A surcharge of $5.00 will be charged for requests exceeding five items.

Spiritual

Physical

Cognitive

Nutritional

While our social instincts may become less intense as we age, our friendships and social interactions can have a significant impact on how we feel. In various studies, older adults who maintained active friendships were shown to be happier and to live longer. Being connected with others provides us with increased self-confidence and a sense of belonging. At the same time, friends expand our perspectives and make our worlds bigger. Researchers believe that these emotional benefits translate to better health in older age.

A very large study at Flinders University in South Australia made an important distinction between family connections and platonic friendships. This study tracked over 15,000 older adults over a period of ten years. The researchers found that, regardless of family or spousal relationships, older adults with significant friendships in their lives were 22% more likely to live longer than those without close friends.

Although the researchers could not say for sure why friends increased survival rates, they guessed that one reason had to do with reduced stress. The feeling of being connected to others is a natural stress reducer. Low stress, in turn, has a positive effect on the immune system, blood pressure and heart health.

Friendships increase our confidence and positive outlookIn a 2008 study conducted at The University of Virginia, 34 students were taken to the foot of a steep hill. Some students were paired with their friends, while others confronted the hill alone. Each student was asked to estimate the steepness of the hill. The students who approached the hill with friends consistently estimated that the hill was less steep than those who approached it by themselves. For those who approached the hill with friends, the prospect of climbing the hill was less daunting.

The researchers concluded that the presence of friends expanded the students’ confidence in what they could accomplish. Likewise, as we age, the increased confidence we get from our friends may play a role in helping us overcome illness and other life-shortening obstacles.

Obstacles to making friendsSocialization in older age is not without challenges. Those living with reduced mobility, chronic pain or other health conditions might feel that attending a social event is too much trouble. Hearing loss is one of the most common and under treated obstacles, affecting our ability to take part in conversations and often leading to our withdrawal from social situations. In many

August 2017With a Little Help from my Friends

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Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©

Youville House • 1573 Cambridge Street • Cambridge, MA 02138 • 617.491.1234Youville Place • 10 Pelham Road • Lexington, MA 02421 • 781.861.3535 • www.youvilleassistedliving.org

Assisted Living Residences

cases, social obstacles can be reduced by addressing hearing loss or other health problems with a doctor.

Living in communityAs part of a residential community like Youville, you have many opportunities to maintain and forge social connections. Living at Youville means more access to social opportunities, structured events, intellectual stimulation and security. This can mean less stress in the long term. The support provided by a community also entails sharing. The more we interact with others, the more comfortable we become sharing spaces, stories, meals and other aspects of daily life.

A community environment offers the advantage of living among one’s peers and fosters a more social lifestyle. Here are a few tips for making new friends and nurturing the friendships you already have:

• Accept invitations – when you are invited to an event, go to it.

• Show an interest in others and maintain a friendly attitude.

• Adopt a positive, health self-image. Try to avoid excessive complaining. Positive energy is a magnet for others who are interested in expanding their own social lives.

• Volunteering for a cause you care about is a great way to meet people in your community with similar interests.

• Join a faith community. Being around people who share your personal beliefs and values is a great way to connect with potential friends.

Whether you thrive on a routine of social interactions or require regular periods of solitude to “recharge your batteries,” you are likely to benefit from having your daily life more fully integrated within a larger community.

Balance Challenge Broadway Seated Dance Stretch & Flex Yoga w/ Veronica Wolff

Cantaloupe is a great source of vitamin C, an essential vitamin that helps tissues, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels grow and repair themselves. Vitamin C is also an important antioxidant.

Catholic Mass Great Courses Series: The Historical Jesus Rosary

Art Detectives with Elliott ArtMatters Presents . . . Paul Cezanne Political Film Series: Native Americans w/ Professor George Jarnis

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Musicals w/ Richard Travers Outdoor Summer Concert Series Traditional American Folk Music w/ Martin Grosswendt & Susanne Salem-Schatz Steps In Time- Ballroom Dancing w/ Michael Winward

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©