Assisted Living Residences

on Monday), read the complete works of a favorite author, or gain a deeper understanding of your religious tradition.

Quit SmokingSmoking is expensive and dangerous. It’s also extremely difficult to quit. If you’ve tried to quit in previous years and failed, don’t be discouraged. One study showed that the more times a person had tried and failed to quit smoking in the past, the more likely they were to eventually succeed. Your chances are better than you think! Give quitting smoking another try in 2018.

Physical FitnessPhysical exercise is one of the best ways to prolong life and prevent heart disease. If you’re not getting enough, make 2018 the year you get in shape. Most doctors recommend getting at least thirty minutes of exercise every day. Try to connect with a friend or family member go you can exercise together: go out for walks, attend a yoga class, or start using the exercise area on the third floor. Join other Youville residents for Balance Challenge, Stretch and Flex or other communal workouts every month. Let your family and friends know about

What would the New Year be without at least one New Year’s resolution?

While our intentions may be good, resolving and following through on a course of self-improvement can be difficult. We are creatures of habit, and a typical New Year’s resolution usually involves disrupting our established routines. In spite of the difficulties, resolution-making can be worth the effort. Simple lifestyle changes can have a lasting impact on health and wellness, especially for seniors. Here are a few ideas to help you make a healthy resolution for 2018: Intellectual EngagementConsider joining a memoir-writing groupor participating in an art class. Intellectual engagement and learning in older age groups has been linked to reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other mentalillnesses. Youville offers monthly memoir-writing groups, art lectures, and a varietyof other presentations. Check the monthly calendar and plan to attend as many events as you can! Or, you might decide to be an “autodidact.” Tell yourself that this year you will complete every New York Times crossword puzzle (or maybe just the one

It’s Time to Make Your New Year’s Resolution! January 2018

Celebrate New Year’s Day with the Norton Zieff TrioMonday, January 1 at 2:30 PMCelebrate the holiday season with family, friends and staff.

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Afternoon Ride to Prospect HillWednesday, January 10Depart: 1:00 PMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: FreeLocated in the historic Union Square neighborhood of Somerville, Prospect Hill provides stunning views of of Charlestown, Somerville, Cambridge and Boston. Because of this unique vantage point, Prospect Hill became a valuable headquarters during the Revolutionary War. It is said that George Washington raised the first American flag here. Today, an elegant stone monument and plaque commemorate the historic significance of Prospect Hill.

Margaritas Mexican RestaurantWednesday, January 17Depart: 11:00 AMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: $ for lunchSurrounded by authentic Mexican decor, you will enjoy fresh, sizzling entrees at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant. Be sure to save room for dessert. Margaritas is one of the few places that serves fried ice cream!

Visit to Youville HouseThursday, January 24Depart: 10:00 AMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: FreeCome see our “sister” community in Cambridge! We will visit Youville House for lunch, a tour of the community and the chance to socialize with Youville House residents.

Via LagoWednesday, January 31Depart: 11:00 AMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: $ for lunchVia Lago is a restaurant, cafe and catering company nestled in the heart of Lexington center. Just a short ride away from Youville, it is the perfect spot to grab lunch and enjoy the bustling scenery of downtown Lexington.

Community Outings“Resolutions” continued from page 1your resolution to get more exercise. You’ll getencouragement from those around you.

Rekindle Social ConnectionsStudies have shown that friends are great for our mental and physical health. People with more social connections tend to have less stress, decreased risk for heart disease and may be less at risk for Alzheimer’s. If you’ve let some of your social habits fall by the wayside, there’s no better time than the New Year to rekindle your relationships with family and make new friends. You might resolve to participate in community outreach programs at Youville as a way to be more socially engaged. Alternatively, you could resolve to attend at least one in house activity every day. Check the monthly schedule and make plans to get involved with your community. Making Your Resolution SuccessfulA study by psychologist Richard Wiseman found that men are most likely to keep their resolutions when they set concrete goals. The successful male resolution-maker should articulate his intent step by step, and in detail. Rather than “eat healthier,” aspire to get three servings of vegetables in your daily diet; to cut out all trans fats; to restrict alcohol intake to just one or two drinks per day. For women, success came most often when the resolutions were made public. Letting others know that you plan to exercise, volunteer in the community or cut sodium out of your diet will improve your chances of reaching those goals. Bring others into your plans, and partner up with friends. You can do it!

Historical NoteThe ancient Babylonians are thought to be among the first New Year’s resolution-makers. At the end of each year they would do their best to pay off debts and return all borrowed items, starting the year with a clean slate. The Romans made annual promises of self-improvement to the god Janus, the source of our word “January.” Janus is portrayed in art as a figure with two faces looking in opposite directions –– backward and forward, future and past.

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witnessed firsthand the many benefits that 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!

Cabaret Artists Lynne Jackson & Mike Palter The Great American SongbookSunday, January 21 at 2:00 PMInternationally-acclaimed jazz/cabaret artists Lynne Jackson and Mike Palter are among the most original and creative vocal duos performing today. Their sophistication and style is evident in their exquisite interpretations of classics from the Great American Songbook as well as more modern gems from composers such as Dave Frishberg and Stephen Sondheim.

Drumming Circle with SoulWorks Rhythm Monday, January 22 at 2:00 PMExperience the exhilaration of communal drumming! For centuries, many cultures have made drumming a central part of communal life. Recently, drumming has been associated with therapeutic benefits like lower blood pressure and stress relief. SoulWorks Rhythm will provide an array of drums and guide participants through traditional drumming techniques.

Pianist Keun Young SunFriday, January 26 at 2:00 PMKeun Soung Sun began her piano studies at age 5 and has performed around the world, from Korea to Italy to the United States. She received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Boston University in 2010, and currently serves as staff pianist at the Boston Conservatory. As an active collaborative pianist, she performs in solo/chamber recitlas throughout New England. She recently finished a recording project with the Boston String Quartet.

Broadway Seated Dance with Phyllis RittnerWednesday, January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 9:30 AMBkroadway 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 Wednesday mornings!

ArtMatters Presents . . . Pablo PicassoTuesday, January 9 at 2:00 PMPicasso was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. He created over 50,000 works of art, moving through creative phases so quickly that sometimes even his fans could not identify his work. Join us for a look at Picasso’s controversial personality and his many distinctive styles.

Lexington Pops ChorusSunday, January 14 at 2:00 PMThe Lexington Pops Chorus is an adult non-profit organization dedicated to the performance of varied, mixed-voice music for the enjoyment of the Lexington community. Established in 1982, the chorus is inspired by the “Pops” ideal of breaking down boundaries between “classical” and “popular” music, performing a wide range of selections from both genres. Many Pops singers have been members of the chorus for over 10 years. Expect a charming mix of classical, jazz, blues and folk music when they perform at Youville.

Steps In Time- Ballroom Dancing with Michael WinwardTuesday, January 16 & 30 at 2:00 PMIf 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 and

Monthly Highlights...

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9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Art Expressions11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2:00 Ballroom Dancing w/ Michael Winward 3:30 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: Wedding Crashers

9:30 Stretch & Flex 10:15 Let’s Talk Food11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2:00 Harp & High Tea w/ Harpist Alix Raspe 3:30 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: Sully

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:30 Centering Prayer11:00 Lunch Trip: Margarita’s 3:00 Reflections w/ Maria Benoit 7:00 Documentary Movie: MLK, Jr: The Man & His Dream

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:00 Trip: Visit to YH10:30 Centering Prayer 3:00 Netflix Original Series: The Crown: Season 2 7:00 Documentary Movie: Empire of the Nude: The Victorian Nude

9:30 Yoga w/ Veronica Wollf 2:00 Forever Fit! 4:00 Honoring Civil Rights Leaders at Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Fiddler on the Roof

9:30 Balance Challenge 9:30 Shopping Trip: Burlington Market Basket 2:00 Acrylic Painting w/ Eddie Bruckner 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: Loving

9:30 Balance Challenge 9:30 Shopping Trip: Bedford Stop & Shop10:30 Current Events with Pam 2:00 Caring Canines 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: City Slickers

9:30 Balance Challenge9:30 Shopping Trip: Bedford Stop & Shop12:00 Birthday Luncheon 2:00 Classical Pianist Keun Young Sun 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: Fences

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Catch Your Story: A Memoir Sharing Group 1:30 Bonus Bingo 3:00 Winter Warmers 7:00 Movie: City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold

2:00 Matinee Movie: Murder on the Orient Express 7:00 Movie: Murder on the Orient Exprees

MLK, Jr Day 9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Poetry & Prose: Alfred Tennyson 2:00 Outreach Project: Make Valentine’s Day Cards 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: Spotlight

2:00 Classic Matinee Movie: Funny Face 7:00 Classic Movie: Funny Face

2:00 Lexington POPS Chorus 7:00 Classic Movie: Mary Poppins

2:00 The Great American Songbook w/ Cabaret Artists Lynne Jackson & Mike Palter 7:00 Classic Movie: Gilda

Country StoreHours

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Indoor Bowling 2:00 Drumming Circle w/ SoulWorks Rhythm 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Arc

January 2018

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9:30 Stretch & Flex11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2:00 ArtMatters presents... Pablo Picasso 3:30 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: The Perfect Storm

9:30 Stretch & Flex 1:00 Trans. to Lexington Ctr. 2:00 Forever Fit! 4:00 Winter Wonderland Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: All That Jazz

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Art from the Heart 1:30 Bonus Bingo 3:00 Winter Warmers 7:00 Movie: Death on the Nile

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Art Expressions 2:00 January Jeopardy Trivia 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: Grumpy Old Men

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:30 Centering Prayer12:45 Trip: Afternoon Ride to Prospect Hill 3:00 Netflix Original Series: The Crown: Season 2 7:00 Documentary Movie: Top Secret Rosies: Female

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9:30 Yoga w/ Annie Hoffmanf 10:30 Nurse’s Chat 1:00 Trans. to Lexington Ctr. 2:00 Jazz Pianist Jacob Hiser 4:00 Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Cats

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Catch Your Story: A Memoir Sharing Group 2:00 Secretaries of State Series John Foster Dulles w/ Gary Hylander 3:00 Winter Warmers 7:00 Movie: The Manchurian Candidate

Hair Salon HoursThursday, Friday & Saturday

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Poetry & Prose: Sylvia Plath 2:00 An Afternoon of Music w/ Pianist Nancy Day 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: The Ramins of the Day

2:00 The History of Jazz Series w/ Ross Petot 7:00 Movie: The Graduate

Manicures & Pedicures w/ ConnieWednesday, January 3Manicures w/ Joanne

Friday, January 12 & 264:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Transportation HoursMonday & Friday

9:00 AM - 12:00 PMTuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

8:00 AM- 2:00 PM

9:30 Stretch & Flex11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2:00 Ballroom Dancing w/ Michael Winward 3:30 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: Midnight in Paris

9:30 Balance Challenge 9:30 Shopping Trip: Lexington Stop & Shop 1:00 Blood Pressure Clinic 2:00 Wellness Talk w/ Stacy Ramos 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: Brooklyn

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:30 Centering Prayer 11:00 Lunch Trip: Via Lago 3:00 Reflections w/ Maria Benoit 7:00 Documentary Movie: Nixon: A Presidency Revealed

Happy New Year 2:30 Celebrate New Year’s Day w/ Norton Zieff Trio 7:00 Movie: Duets

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Low Vision Support Group 11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2:00 New Year’s Traditions Around the World 3:30 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: Seven Pounds

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:30 Centering Prayer 2:00 Staying within the Lines 3:00 Netflix Original Series: The Crown: Season 2 7:00 Documentary Movie: Sholem Aleichemi: Laughing in the Darkness

9:30 Yoga w/ Veronica Wollf10:30 Programs Planning Mtg. 2:00 Resident Management Mtg. 4:00 Trivia Day at Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Into the Woods

JanuaryTrivia Challenge Three Steps to a Happy 2018by Rita WatsonIf you are a repeat offender when it comes to breaking New Year resolutions, simply stop making them. Instead, try embracing acceptance, gratitude, and happiness. In doing so you can turn 2018 into the year in which you became more loving of yourself; more forgiving of those who annoy you; and more gracious towards those you care about.Embrace acceptance while working towards whatever it is you wish to achieve in 2018. In America, a top goal for the New Year is to lose weight. If losing weight is your goal, instead of fretting or obsessing about it, be thankful for good food. Then follow the advice a resident once offered to me. He said, “If you’re worried about your weight, the best exercise is to push yourself away from the table at dessert time.”Embrace gratitude instead of grumbling about annoyances. Express gratitude for all of the people in your life and become a listener. First listen to your inner voice and ask yourself why it is that the habits of certain people annoy you. The late Professor Christopher Peterson had this to say about a book called Annoying – “those who are frequently annoyed may them-selves be frequently annoying.” Oftentimes aggravating people show us our own shadow side. When you begin expressing gratitude you become more tolerant of those who are thorns in your side. Part of a gratitude exercise is being grateful for yourself. Be aware of your shortcomings, acknowledge them, and then look for ways to take a positive turn.Embrace happiness and make a happiness plan. Go to activities that bring you joy. Write to children or grandchildren. Plant a flower. Paint a picture. Read a book that is uplifting. Go to the museum. Think of something you wish you could do in 2018 and find someone to help you achieve that goal.Keep in mind that acceptance, gratitude, and happiness are attainable. Simply make the decision to do so even if it means reinventing yourself. Rita Watson, A Yale M.P.H., is a Youville resident who writes “With Love and Gratitude” for PsychologyToday.com. This was adapted from her columns.

Here’s a little known fact: January 4th is National Trivia Day! Grab a comfortable seat by the fireplace and challenge your brain with these January-themed questions. Please see the Programs Department for the answers. Good luck!

1. The month of January is named after ___________, an ancient Roman god with two faces, one looking back to the past, the other looking into the future.

2. On January 1st, 1776, General George Washington’s army raised the Grand Union flag on which hill in present-day Somerville, Massachusetts?

3. Which important immigration station opened in the United States on January 1st, 1892?

4. On January 3rd, 1959 _____________ officially became the 49th state of the United States of America.

5. On January 10th, 1944, the ____________ was signed into law. This bill guaranteed a free college education and other benefits for United States Veterans returning from war.

6. On January 14th, 1954, which movie star married baseball great Joe DiMaggio?

7. On January 16, 1919, Congress ratified the _______Amendment, ushering in the “dry” era of American History known as Prohibition.

8. In order to minimize the length of the “lame duck” period, Congress passed the 20th Amendment in 1933. This moved the date of which important national occasion from March 4th to January 20th?

9. On January 20th, 1961, President __________ took the oath of office.

10. On January 30th, 1969, which musical group performed their final concert from the rooftop of Apple Records Headquarters in London?

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Grow as a Person Opportunities

Secretaries of State Series with Gary HylanderJohn Foster DullesSaturday, January 6 at 2:00 PMAs President Eisenhower’s Secretary of State, Foster Dulles’ overriding foreign policy objective was to halt the spread of “atheistic Communism.” As a devout Presbyterian, the Cold War was a matter of faith. Dulles threatened both the Soviet Union and China with “massive retaliation” if they broke the peace. He hoped to achieve a “Pax Americana” for the world. By the end of Dulles’ stewardship at the State Department, the United States was committed to eight security treaties and the defense of forty-two nations. Learn more about Dulles’ tenure as Secretary of State from Professor Gary Hylander, of Bridgewater State University.

Acrylic Painting Class with Eddie Bruckner Friday, January 12 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.

History of Jazz Series with Ross PetotDuke and SwingSunday, January 28 at 2:00 PMThe History of Jazz series covers two centuries of America’s most treasured musical heritage. In his upcoming presentation, Ross Petot will focus on the sweeping of influence of Duke Ellington in the 1930s. He will also explore the swing craze that took hold during the time period and acheived mass commercial success. Ross Petot is an accomplished jazz pianist as well as a published composer. He has taught piano and performed for over 30 years, and currently teaches at the All Newton Music School.

Lexington Center / Walgreen’sThursday, January 11 & 25Time: 1:00 PM Return: 2:30 PMLexington Stop & ShopFriday, January 5Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:00 AMBurlington Market BasketFriday, January 12Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:00 AMBedford Stop & ShopFriday, January 19 & 26 Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:00 AM

Happy Birthday!Theresa R. January 11Theresa M. January 26Audrey D. January 27Residents born in January are invited to lunch in the Private Dining Room to celebrate on Friday, January 26 at 12:00 PM.

Harp & High TeaTuesday, January 23 at 2:00 PM Can you imagine a more soothing experience than sipping hot tea while being serenaded by harp music? We didn’t think so! Do your mind, body and soul a favor and join us as we sip a variety of teas, both conventional and exotic, while enjoying a performance by Alix Raspe, an award-winning classical harpist and chamber musician. Tea for HealthBlack and green tea contain extremely high levels of antioxidants including flavonoids, catechins and polyphenols. These can help reduce your risk of heart disease, fight cancer and lower cholesterol. Our Featured HarpistAlix Raspe has performed at Carnegie Hall, Symphony Hall, Juilliard’s Paul Hall, Morse Hall and many other famous venues and music festivals. She currently performs with the Portsmouth Symphony and as Principal Harpist with Symphony Nova.

Shopping Trips

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Save the Dates...Resident Management Meetingw/ Youville DirectorsThursday, January 4 at 2:00 PM

Blood Pressure ClinicFriday, January 5 at 1:00 PM

Nurse’s Chatw/ Director of Wellness, Kathryn CarlinoThursday, January 11 at 10:30 AM

Let’s Talk Foodw/ Director of Dining Services, Dan MacRaeTuesday, January 23 at 10:15 AM

Country Store Store HoursMonday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMWednesday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMFriday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Store Volunteers: Sr. Theresa R., Sr. Dolores B. & Brigid S.

Transportation ServicesMonday and Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PMTuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday8:00 AM - 2:00 PMThe fee for transportation is $10.00 for Lexington and $20.00 for surrounding communities. Please see the Programs Department with any questions. We will make every effort to accommodate your wishes, but please understand that no transportation can be guaranteed with less than 48 hours notice.

Programs / Menu Hotline...Have you ever wondered whether your favorite program is on the schedule for the day? Would you like to know in advance what the daily menu choices are? Now you can hear a recorded list of the daily programs as well as the menu for lunch and dinner at Youville Place. Simply call (781) 761-1334 directly, or call the Reception Desk and the receptionist will connect you.

Youville Place Management Team

Nicole Breslin CEO & PresidentJoanne Scianna COO Katie Blanchard Director of Programs Susan Snow Director of MarketingKathryn Carlino, RN Director of WellnessDan MacRae Director of Dining ServicesBob Salamanca Director of Environmental ServicesVirginia Ellis Director of Community Life Maria Benoit Director of Mission & Spiritual CareTom Landry Director of Human ResourcesPaula Desmond-Wallace Regional Controller

Mission We are a Catholic health ministry, providing

healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our HeritageYouville Assisted Living Residences are communities grounded in the spirit of

St. Marguerite d’Youville, foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, “Grey Nuns.” Trusting in

God’s love, each community serves all those in need with compassion and respect.

Spiritual

Physical

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Nutritional

“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” –– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only Federal Holiday that is essentially a day of community service. On the third Monday of every January, Dr. King’s message of social justice endures in cities across the country as volunteers join in solidarity against poverty and social inequality.

In Lexington, an organization called Lexington CommUnity has mobilized generosity and “creative altruism” on Martin Luther King Day since the first Day of Service in 2014. In 2017, nearly 400 volunteers came together to serve over 2,000 people in need in the Lexington community.

On Monday, January 15th, volunteers gathered in locations throughout Lexington will make Valentine’s Day cards for U.S. Veterans, nursing home residents, Meals on Wheels recipients, and other needy populations in the area. At Youville Place, we will make Valentine’s cards for Neighbors Who Care, an organization that serves isolated, homebound older adults in Waltham, Lexington and surrounding communities. Residents can also donate canned goods and personal hygiene products to benefit the Lexington Pantry. A donation box will be placed near the Reception Desk area. If you have questions about items you would like to donate, please see Maria Benoit, Director of Mission and Spiritual Care.

The Spirit of Giving is HealthyFor older adults, volunteering is often an effective way to stay connected to their communities.Studies have confirmed that volunteers over the age of 65 have healthier hearts and a lower mortality rate than non-volunteers in the same age range. Additionally, these volunteers suffer less from depression.

The Corporation for National and Community Service found that older adults benefit more from volunteering than any other group. Studies have shown that those suffering from chronic pain, reported a decrease in pain as a direct result of volunteering. Interestingly, people on the receiving end of the volunteer activities, reported no health improvement. These results suggest that the simple act of reaching out to others can be effective in reducing pain.

“Great for these people,” you might be thinking, “but how can someone like me, with limited mobility, visual or hearing impairment offer time or resources as a volunteer?”

January 2018Embracing the Spirit of Service

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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

There’s an often-quoted saying of Dr. Martin Luther King on volunteerism: “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” Even when older adults can no longer go out into the community, many continue to serve in smaller ways. Volunteering is as much a matter of spirit as it is ability.

A National Institute of Health study in 2007 monitored brain activity of people as they considered donating money to a list of charities. As people selected the charities, an fRMI device picked up on increased activity in the mesolimbic pathway of the brain – this is the area where we experience joy and pleasure. Simply thinking about making donations caused the participants in the study to release “feel good” chemicals.

If you’re skeptical, just take a moment to imagine yourself making a positive difference in someone’s life. You could be donating money to a special cause, or feeding the homeless at your local soup kitchen. Whatever scenario you invent, the act of imagining should lead to a sense of pleasure.

Researcher Stephen Post, professor of Preventative Medicine at Stony Brook University, thinks that oxytocin, also known as the “compassion hormone,” is responsible for the good feeling we experience when we help or just think about helping others. When we commit selfless acts of kindness, a rush of oxytocin inhibits the stress response, enabling us to reach out to strangers with minimized feelings of discomfort.

Visualizing improved outcomes for others, whether through prayer, meditation or imaginative exercises like the one suggested above, makes us feel better and reduces stress. Research suggests that over time, reduced stress leads to improved cardiovascular health for volunteers and those who simply wish for the common good.

Remember that every act on the spectrum of good intentions, no matter how minor, has its value. Keep this in mind, not just on Martin Luther King Day, but throughout the year. Although age can slow us down, our good will toward others endures and continues to link us to something bigger than ourselves.

Broadway Seated Dance w/ Phyllis Rittner Balance Challenge Stretch & Flex Yoga w/ Annie Hoffman Yoga w/ Veronica Wolff Cranberries are a great source of Vitamin C, fiber and an array of health-promoting antioxidants. They pack in an amazing array of phytonutrients known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties.

Catholic Mass Centering Prayer Reflections w/ Maria Benoit Secretaries of State Series w/ Professor Gary Hylander Art Matters... Pablo Picasso The History of Jazz Series w/ Ross Petot

Celebrate the New Year w/ Norton Zieff Trio Acryllic Painting Class w/ Eddie Bruckner Drumming Circle w/ SoulWorks Rhythm Afternoon High Tea w/ Harpist Alix Raspe

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©