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monthly calendar and plan to attend as many events as you can! For the truly adventurous, the Cambridge Center for Adult Education offers a variety of classes open to the public. Online classes are also available, if mobility is a problem. 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 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.

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 book club, taking a memoir-writing class or 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 mental illnesses. Youville offers monthly book club meetings, art lectures, and a varietyof other presentations. Check the

Celebrate the New Year with Comedian Mel SimonsMonday, January 1 at 2:30 PMWith a well-balanced mix of nostalgia, humor and dramatic flair, Mel Simons will take you on a ride down memory lane with “Memories are Made of This,” a program showcasing the magic that was old time radio.

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

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Lunch Trip: Zoe’s Chinese RestaurantWednesday, January 17Depart: 11:15 AMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: $ for lunchZoe’s Chinese Restaurant in Somerville features a wide range of traditional Chinese cooking. Chinese cuisine is known for eight distinctive styles, all of which come together at Zoe’s. The menu includes seafood, poultry, duck, beef, sichuan-style, hunan style, rice and noodles, soup, vegetarian, Dim Sum, Moo Shi style and more. No matter what your tastebuds prefer, you are sure to find something delicious here!

A New Year’s Guide To Old Words and New Meanings Not only are we constantly inventing new words, but we are also reinventing old ones. In the New Year’s spirit of looking forward and looking backward, we present a small sample of words that have changed meaning over the years in odd ways. Heartburn: used to be a term that described the feeling of jealousy or hatred. Today, it is the vernacular term for a condition known as gastroesophogeal reflux, in which excessive acid produced by the stomach rises to the esophagus and creates a “burning” sensation.Bully: Theodore Roosevelt said the presidency was a “bully pulpit” – meaning it wkas a grand, wonderful positon! Bully has lost its positive meaning in more recent decades. Myriad: used to refer specifically to the number 10,000. These days it just means “a lot!”Text: used to mean a distinct piece of prose or any printed verbal language. Now it is an electronic message sent out on via cell.Cell: used to be a place where prisoners were held. Now it is a portable phone.

Community OutingsNew Year’s Resolutions continued from page 1

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 so 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 your resolution to get more exercise. You’ll get encouragement 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!

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ArtMatters Presents . . . Alexander CalderThursday, January 11 at 2:00 PMAs a boy, Alexander Calder began making toys and utensils out of common household objects such as string, wire, buttons, cloth, wood and tin. He became famous for inventing the “mobile,” a moving sculpture composed of colorful shapes and fine lines. He also created and performed in his own circus. Join us for a glimpse into the whimsical world of one of history’s most creative minds.

Silent Movie Presentation with Richard HughesThe Little Tramp: Charlie Chaplin at WorkThursday, January 18 at 7:00 PMMaster pianist and movie expert Richard Hughes takes you back to the magical era of silent movies. It was a time when films flickered in black and white on the big screen and the action unfolded in pantomime, accompanied by dramatic “mood music” performed live on an upright piano. In his upcoming presentation, Mr. Hughes provides live musical accompaniment to movie clips showcasing the mischief that only Charlie Chaplin could get into while innocently attempting to earn a living.

History of Jazz Series with Ross PetotDuke and SwingSunday, January 21 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 achieved mass commercial success. Ross Petot is an accomplished jazz pianist as well as a published composer.

An Evening of Music with Nancy DayMonday, January 29 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.

Broadway Seated Dance with Phyllis RittnerTuesday, January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 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!

Secretaries of State Series with Gary HylanderHenry KissingerSunday, January 7 at 2:00 PMHenry Kissinger served as both Secretary of State and National Security Advisor to President Nixon. In these roles, Kissinger exerted enormous influence over American foreign policy during the tumult of the Vietnam War, conflict with the Soviet Union, China and the threat of war in the Middle East. He was heavily influenced by the examples of Metternich and Bismarck, both foreign ministers who had practiced the diplomacy of realpolitik. For Kissinger, the balance of power, triangulation and personal diplomacy were the keys to American security.

Steps In TimeBallroom Dancing with Michael WinwardTuesday, January 9 & 23 at 2:00 PMHave you ever wished you could take ballroom dancing lessons? Now you can! Inspired by the idea that people of all ages, levels and abilities should have opportunities to dance, Michael Winward offers social Ballroom and Latin dance workshops. He has led classes throughout Greater Boston and 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!

Monthly Highlights...

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9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 2:00 Writing Workshop w/ Tom Daley 3:15 Book Review w/ Janet 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: The Circle 7:15 Movie: Bears

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 2:00 Ballroom Dancing w/ Michael Winward 3:15 Craft Connection 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof 7:15 Movie: The Zookeeper’s Wife

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging11:15 Lunch Trip: Zoe’s 2:00 Forever Fit! 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: Stand by Me 7:15 Movie: The Circle

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 1:00 Trip to the Movies 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: Field of Dreams 7:15 Movie: The Lost City of Z

9:30 Yoga w/ Annie Hoffman10:15 Staying within the Lines 2:00 Resident Management Mtg. 3:15 Bible Study w/ Matt 7:00 Silent Movie w/ Richard Hughes Presents The Little Tramp

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Shopping Trip: Galleria Mall 2:00 Students from Prospect Hill Academy visit... 3:15 Winter Warmers 7:00 Movie: When Harry Met Sally 7:15 Movie: Country Strong

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Shopping Trip: Porter Sq. 2:00 Students from Prospect Hill Academy visit... 3:15 Share Your Story w/ Leah 7:00 Bonus Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 John’s Movie Pick: The Man in the White Suit

9:30 Balance Challenge10:00-12:00 Open Art Studio10:15 Shopping Trip: Target 2:00 Drumming Circle w/ SoulWorks Rhythm 3:15 Share Your Story w/ Leah 7:00 John’s Movie Pick: Dunkirk 7:15 Movie: Lion

MLK, Jr Day 9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 2:00 Documentary Film: Freedom Writers 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Beaches 7:15 Movie: Murder on the Orient Express

2:00 The Great American Songbook w/ Cabaret Artists Lynne Jackson & Mike Palter 3:00 Bridge Club 7:00 Movie: Murder on the Orient Express 7:15 Movie: Beaches

2:00 The History of Jazz Series w/ Ross Petot 3:00 Bridge Club 7:00 Movie: The Lost City of Z 7:15 Movie: The Book Thief

Catholic Mass Daily at 10:45 AM

Beauty Salon OpenWednesday & Friday

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Programs Planning Mtg. 12:45 Shopping Trip: Trader Joe’s 2:00 Great Courses on DVD: Apostolic Fathers w/ Maria 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Songs by Roy

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9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:15 Food Forum 2:00 Ballroom Dancing w/ Michael Winward 3:15 Netflix Original Series: The Crown: Season 2 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: La La Land 7:15 Movie: Water for Elephants

9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Whole Foods 2:00 Great Courses on DVD: Apostolic Fathers w/ Maria 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Beatriz at Dinner 7:15 Movie: The Family Stone

9:30 Yoga w/ Veronica Wolff10:15 Collage Making 2:00 Harp & High Tea w/ Harpist Alix Raspe 3:15 Bible Study w/ Matt 7:00 Movie: The Book Thief 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: Field of Dreams

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 World Views w/ Herb P. 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: Seabiscuit 7:15 Movie: La La Land

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9:30 Yoga w/ Veronica Wolff10:15 Nurse’s Chat 2:00 ArtMatters presents... Alexander Calder 3:15 Bible Study w/ Matt 7:00 Movie: Water for Elephants 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: Seabiscuit

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: The Great Gatsby 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Duets 7:15 Movie: No Reservations

9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 2:00 Great Courses on DVD: Apostolic Fathers w/ Maria 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 An Evening of Music w/ Pianist Nancy Day

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Country Strong 2:00 Caring Canines 3:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Country Strong 7:15 Movie: When Harry Met Sally

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Bears 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Bears 7:15 John’s Movie Pick: The Man

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Lion 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Lion 7:15 John’s Movie Pick: Dunkirk

January 2018

Parkinson’s Support Group Tuesday, January 16

at 3:00 PMDance w/ Parkinson’s

TBA Rosary

Tuesday at 4:00 PM

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 2:00 Writing Workshop w/ Tom Daley 3:15 Craft Connection 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: Going in Style 7:15 Movie: P.S. I Love You

Transportation HoursMonday - Friday

8:00 AM- 2:00 PM

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Shopping Trip: Porter Sq. 1:30 CRLS Portrait Art Reception 2:30 Acrylic Painting Class w/ Eddie Bruckner 3:15 Share Your Story w/ Leah 7:00 Bonus Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: No Reservations

2:00 History Lecture: Secretaries of State Series: Henry Kissinger w/ Gary Hylander 3:00 Bridge Club7:00 Movie: The Family Stone7:15 Movie: Beatriz at Dinner

Personal Training w/ Forever FitWednesday, January 10 & 24

at 2:00 PM

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 Pianist Keun Young Sun 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: 42 7:15 Movie: Going in Style

2:00 Matinee Movie: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof 3:00 Bridge Club 7:00 Movie: The Zookeeper’s Wife 7:15 Movie: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Happy New Year

2:30 Celebrate New Year’s w/ Comedian Mel Simons 7:00 Movie: The Nutcracker 7:15 Movie: The Great Gatsby

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 2:00 Art Detectives w/ Elliott 3:15 Netflix Original Series: The Crown: Season 2 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: The Great Gatsby 7:15 Movie: The Nutcracker

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: City of God 7:15 Movie: Duets

9:30 Yoga w/ Annie Hoffman10:15 Mandalas 2:00 Readings from Youville Writes 3:15 Winter Warmers 7:00 Movie: Duets 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: City of God

If 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 themselves 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.

Youville WritesThursday, January 4 at 2:00 PM

Three Steps to a Happy 2018by Rita Watson

Community Updates

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.

We are thrilled to debut the first issue of Youville Writes,a literary journal featuring the writing of Youville residents. The first issue includes 14 submissions. Our submissions include essays, memoirs, musings, stories and poetry. The voices that make up Issue 1 reflect the intelligence and curiosity of our resident population here in Cambridge.

Youville Writes was organized, compiled and published by residents Sally Montgomery and Rita Watson, both of whom have contributed their own writing to the first issue. We will read selections from this first issue on Thursday, January 4th. Copies of Youville Writes will be available and are free!

Harp & High TeaThursday, January 25 at 2:00 PM

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Art Detectives with ElliottTuesday, January 2 at 2:00 PMHone your “art detection” skills as you decode artworks to uncover information about the past. Join Elliott as he sharpens your knowledge of art history to help you comb through famous paintings, sculptures and photographs for historical and cultural clues. Each session of “Art Detectives” focuses on a different time period, artistic movement or theme within the cannon of art history. Don’t miss it!

Acrylic Painting Class with Eddie Bruckner Friday, January 5 at 2:30 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.

Writing Workshop with Tom DaleyTuesday, January 16 & 30 at 2:00 PMAward-winning poet and local writing instructor Tom Daley returns to Youville to lead two memoir-writing workshops. Experienced and/or aspiring writers are encouraged to join! Mr. Daley will lead participants through a series of in-class prompts to help set a scene and stimulate the imagination and memory. If you were present at previous classes, this is a great opportunity to build on or add to your writing.

Grow as a Person Opportunities this Month

Porter SquareFriday, January 5 & 19Time: 10:15 AM Return: 12:00 PMWhole FoodsMonday, January 8Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PMGalleria MallFriday, January 12 Time: 10:15 AM Return: 12:00 PMStar MarketMonday, January 15 & 29Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PMTrader Joe’sMonday, January 22Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PMTargetFriday, January 26Time: 10:15 AM Return: 12:00 PM

Shopping Trips

“Like” us on FacebookVisit our Facebook page any time for updates, photos, videos and more. When you “like” us on Facebook, we will send you updates and links to our most recent news. Just search for Youville Assisted Living on Facebook and click “like.” See you on the web!

Concert HighlightsCabaret Artists with Lynne Jackson & Mike PalterThe Great American SongbookSunday, January 14 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.Pianist Keun Young SunWednesday, January 31 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 recitals throughout New England. She recently finished a recording project with the Boston String Quartet.

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January MeetingsFood Forum w/ Director of Dining Services, Dan MacRaeTuesday, January 9 at 10:15 AM

Nurse’s Chatw/ Director of Wellness, Lydia KirundaThursday, January 11 at 10:15 AM

Resident Management Meetingw/ Youville DirectorsThursday, January 18 at 2:00 PM

Programs Planning Meetingw/ Director of Programs, Katie BlanchardMonday, January 22 at 10:15 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 LifeDan MacRae Director of Dining ServicesMaria Benoit Director of Mission & Spiritual CareTom 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

“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 Cambridge, the organization Many Helping Hands has mobilized volunteers every year since the first MLK Day of Service in 2011. The ranks of volunteers steadily increase each year. In 2017, more than 2,600 volunteers spent the afternoon helping people in need in the Cambridge community.

At Cambridge City Hall, The Citywide Senior Center, and the YWCA, volunteers will congregate to make scarves, blankets, and other necessities for the most needy populations of Cambridge. These volunteer stations will also serve as food donation drop-off centers for canned, dried and other non-perishable food items. You can make a donation by dropping off your canned goods at the reception desk prior to Monday, January 15th.

At City Hall, volunteers will make Valentine’s Day cards for Meals on Wheels recipients and U.S. troops serving overseas. After Martin Luther King Day, the Valentine’s Day cards created at City Hall will be sent to Youville, where residents are invited to help stuff them in envelopes. This will be our ‘in house’ MLK Day activity! It is a great opportunity to contribute to a good cause.

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

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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.

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

Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids and dietary fiber. Antioxidants can help prevent hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer.

Catholic Mass Bible Study w/ Matt Great Courses on DVD: The Apostolic Fathers

Art Detectives with Elliott ArtMatters Presents ... Alexander Calder Secretaries of State Series w/ Gary Hylander

History of Jazz w/ Ross Petot Harp & High Tea with Harpist Alix Raspe Silent Movie Presentation w/ Richard Hughes Steps In Time- Ballroom Dancing w/ Michael Winward

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©