Assisted Living Residences

Marguerite was born in 1701 in Varennes, Que-bec. Her early life had its share of misfortune, start-ing with the death of her father when she was just a little girl. As a young woman she married Francois d’Youville, a notorious bootlegger. He would disappear from home for long periods of time and eventually fell ill. Marguerite had already lost four of their children to illness. When her husband passed away, he left her a poor widow at the age of 30. At this time, her faith and devotion to those in need continued to strengthen. She opened a shop where she sold her handiwork, using the proceeds to pay off her late husband’s debt and help others. She and three other women began living together and providing shelter to the homeless. The work of the Grey Nuns, in its earliest incarnation, had

October 16th is the Feast Day of St. Marguerite d’Youville, foundress of the Grey Nuns and the first native Canadian in history to be canonized as a Catholic saint. She is also the namesake of the Youville Assisted Living Residences, which is why we pay her special tribute. Marguerite lived during the 18th century in Montreal, where she devoted most of her life to serving the sick and the poor. She defied gender and class boundariesof the time, becoming the director of The General Hospital in Montreal in spite of her status as a poor widow. She advocated for the burial rights of executed criminals and even begged for money to pay to have them buried. Faced with her own financial worries, she remained focused on those who had even less than she did. Throughout her life, Marguerite’s strong religious faith fueled her charitable endeavors and her zeal to help those in need. Her energy inspired support from those around her and eventually won her a considerable following.

Halloween Fun . . . with Bonaparté, “Boston’s Hottest Magician”Saturday, October 27 at 1:00 PM - 3:00 PMResidents, staff, families and especially children are invited to don their Halloween costumes and enjoy an afternoon of trick-or-treating, games, and magic. Please RSVP to the Programs Department to let us know how many children will attend!

October 2018Celebrating Our Foundress, St. Marguerite d’Youville

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Music & PerformanceMoving Day Boston: Walk for Parkinson’sSaturday, October 13On Saturday, October 13th, Youville will participate in Moving Day, an annual fundraising event that supports Parkinson’s research and awareness. Moving Day is sponsored by the National Parkinson’sFoundation and is intended to unite families, friends and communities in the fight against this debilitating disease.

Parkinson’s disease affects one million people in the United States. It is a progressive neurological disease that impairs movement and motor skills. People tend to experience a range of different symptoms, but the most common include tremor, slowness of movement, reduced facial expression and increasing difficulty with gait and balance. In the United States, one person is diagnosed with Parkinson’s every nine seconds.

About Moving Day • Since it’s establishment in 2011, Moving Day has raised over $17 million for the National Parkinson’s Foundation. • There have 123 Moving Day events since Moving Day began. • In 2015 alone, 14,000 registered walkers raised over $3.2 million!

Moving Day highlights the important role that physical movement, exercise and a supportive community all play in treating Parkinson’s disease. Moving Day will be held in Artesani Park in Boston at 10:30 AM. The event will feature a walking course, a children’s area, a relaxation tent for caregivers and a “Movement Pavilion” offering yoga, dance, Tai Chi and Pilates.

Residents and family are encouraged to support Parkinson’s research by donating to “Team Youville!” You can donate online by visiting https://movingdaywalk.org/event/moving-day-boston/ and searching for “Team Youville!” If you need help or would like to donate in-person, please ask a member of the Programs Department for assistance.

Beethoven Sonata Series with Pianist Brady MillicanSunday, October 7 at 2:00 PMDr. Brady Millican is artist-in-residence at Eastern Nazarene College. His distinguished performing career includes two appearances at the White House; solo and chamber recitals at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall and Harvard’s Sanders Theater; performances with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and broadcasts on NPR.

Music History with Richard TraversThe Pulitzer Prize-Winning MusicalsMonday, October 22 at 2:00 PMThis lecture includes songs and life stories of the authors, composers and performers of the nine musicals that have won the Pulitzer Prize: 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.

An Evening of Music with Nancy DayTuesday, October 23 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.

“St. Marguerite” continued from page 1

begun. The women were mocked as “the tipsy nuns,” a reference to Marguerite’s late husband, an appellation that also means “grey nuns” in French. The women adopted the name and even began dressing in grey.

Officially recognized as The Sisters of Charity of Montreal, “The Grey Nuns” have established and managed a vast network of healthcare organizations, nursing homes, senior care facilities and, of course, assisted living residences throughout North and South America.For a further discussion of her life and legacy, join Kathleen Kelleher, Director of Mission and Pastoral Care for afternoon tea and discussion on Tuesday, October 16 at 3:00 PM.

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The Lives & Times of Biblical Womenwith Rabbi Natan MargalitMonday, October 15 at 2:00 PMWhat kind of woman was Sara, the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac? Or Rebecca, Isaac’s wife? Or Miriam, the sister of Moses who is called a prophetess? Or Ruth? In this series, Rabbi Margalit will lead discussion about biblical and non-biblical oral traditions passed down about these women and how we as readers can benefit in our own lives from their powerful stories. In addition to the literary and historical components, this series incorporates musical interludes and moments for collective spiritual reflection.

Photography Presentation with Barry PellGalápagosFriday, October 19 at 2:00 PMThe Galápagos Islands are like no other place in the world. Located on a remote archipelago of volcanic islands 600 miles west of Ecuador’s Pacific coast, the Galápagos are home to massive tortoises, scurrying iguana lizards, playful sea lions and a menagerie of exceptional birds from blue-footed boobies to red pouched frigate birds. This isolated group of islands, with its nearly pristine showcase of biodiversity, inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution. Lecturer and photojournalist Barry Pell recently traveled to the Galápagos to photograph and learn more about its splendid, fragile ecosystem, and will share his observations, insights and spectacular photography.

Jazz Talks with Peter GerlerBenny Goodman’s Musical RootsFriday, October 26 at 2:00 PMBenny Goodman is known as the “King of Swing,” a clarinetist who pioneered jazz band integration and whose musical soul has its roots in the mean streets of Chicago. This lecture will explore Goodman’s musical development and influences as he came of age, from the Chicago symphony clarinetist who gave him lessons to the many musical migrants from New Orleans whose sound was a key ingredient in the melting pot that was Chicago’s music scene.

Broadway Seated Dance with Phyllis RittnerTuesday, October 2, 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!

Ballroom Dancing with Michael WinwardTuesday, October 2 at 2:00 PMWith instructor Michael Winward leading, dancers of all abilities are able to get moving in a supportive and joyful environment. Inspired by the idea that people of all ages and abilities should have opportunities to dance, Mr. Winward has led social Ballroom and Latin dance work-shops throughout Greater Boston, witnessing 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.

ArtMatters Presents . . . American WestThursday, October 4 at 2:00 PMAmerican artists have been like America itself: pioneering, bold and independent. In the western frontiers, artists confronted a beautiful landscape, an alien culture and a dramatically different lifestyle. Join us for a look at the American West, as seen by the artists who sought to capture and preserve it for posterity.

Drumming Circle with SoulWorks Rhythm Friday, October 12 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.

Monthly Highlights...

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9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 2:00 Memoir Workshop w/ Tom Daley 3:00 Celebrate the Life of St. Marguerite d’Youville 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: The Pajama Game 7:15 Movie: October Sky

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:15 Pumpkin Painting 2:00 Discussion Series: Aging w/ Arnold Robbins 3:15 Book Review w/ Janet 4:00 Rosary 7:00 An Evening of Music w/ Nancy Day

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 Forever Fit 3:30 Fall Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: Lolita 7:15 Movie: The Pajama Game

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging11:30 Lunch Trip: MidiCi Neoplitian Pizza Company 3:30 Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: Money Ball 7:15 Movie: All Saints

9:30 Yoga w/ Nicole10:30 Dance w/ Parkinson’s Class 2:00 Resident Management Mtg. 3:15 Knitting and Crocheting 7:00 Movie: October Sky 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: Lolita

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:15 Shopping Trip: Assembly Sq. 2:00 Drumming Circle w/ Soulworks Rhythm 3:15 Autumn Brews 7:00 Bonus Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Dolores

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Shopping Trip: Porter Sq. 2:00 Photography Presentation: Galapagos w/ Barry Pell 3:15 Outreach Project: Halloween Treat Bags 7:00 Movie: A Dog’s Purpose 7:15 Movie: Night Train to Munich

9:30 Balance Challenge.10:15 Shopping Trip: Target 2:00 Jazz Talks: Benny Goodman w/ Peter Gerler 3:15 Autumn Brews 7:00 Bonus Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: The Perfect Game

9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Whole Foods 2:00 Wellness Chat: Sleep w/ Annisa Schollard, RN 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 4:00 Poets Corner 7:00 Movie: Charlie Chan 7:15 Movie: Once

2:00 A Blundering Generation: Compromise of 1850 w/ Gary Hylander 3:00 Bridge Club 7:00 Movie: Mysteries of Lisbon 7:15 Movie: Torn Curtain

2:00 Musical Performance by the Soloists of New England 3:00 Bridge Club 7:00 Movie: Jules and Jim 7:15 Movie: Shutter Island

Catholic Mass Daily at 10:45 AM

Beauty Salon OpenWednesday & Friday

9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Trader Joe’s 2:00 Music Lecture Series: Pulitzer Prize Winning Musicals w/ Richard Travers 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Ray 7:15 Movie: Jules and Jim

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9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Food Forum 2:00 Discussion Series: Aging w/ Arnold Robbins 3:15 Craft Connection: Fall Craft 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: Once 7:15 Movie: Dolores

9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 2:00 The Life & Times of Biblical Women w/ Rabbi Natan Margalit 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 4:00 Poets Corner 7:00 Songs by Roy

9:30 Yoga w/ Nicole10:30 Dance w/ Parkinson’s Class 2:00 Politics of Chocolate w/ Cocoa Beantown 3:15 Knitting and Crocheting 7:00 Movie: Ray 7:15 Movie: Money Ball

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9:30 Yoga w/ Nicole10:30 Nurse’s Chat10:30 Dance w/ Parkinson’s Class 1:30 Trip: Fall Foliage Ride 2:00 October Jeopardy Trivia 7:00 Movie: ET 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: Billy Elliot

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Price Igor 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Price Igor 7:15 Movie: Three Identical Strangers

9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 2:00 Pumpkin Carving Demo 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Creature from the Black Lagoon 7:15 Movie: Cleopatra

2:00 Caring Canines 3:00 Bingo w/ Carol & Kids from Memorial Church 7:00 Movie: Torn Curtain 7:15 Movie: Mysteries of Lisbon

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Shutter Island 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Shutter Island 7:15 Movie: A Dog’s Purpose

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex1:00-3:00 Halloween Fun... w/ Bonaparte 7:00 Movie: Wait Until Dark 7:15 Movie: The Perfect Game

October 2018

Parkinson’s Support Group Tuesday, October 16

at 3:00 PMDance w/ Parkinson’s

Thursday, October 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 10:30 AM

RosaryTuesday at 4:00 PM

Transportation HoursMonday - Friday

8:00 AM- 2:00 PM

2:00 Beethoven Sonata Concert Series w/ Brady Millican 3:00 Bridge Club 7:00 Movie: Three Identical Strangers 7:15 Movie: Prince Igor

2:00 Classical Pianist MinkYung Oh 3:00 Bridge Club 7:00 Movie: Rooters 7:15 Movie: Wait Until Dark

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:15 Programs Planning Mtg. 2:00 Memoir Workshop w/ Tom Daley 3:15 Reception: Youville Writes 2 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: The Birds 7:15 Movie: Cleopatra

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 Acrylic Painting Class w/ Eddie Bruckner 3:30 Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Pick Movie: Billy Elliot 7:15 Movie: ET

Happy Halloween 9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 Youville’s Halloween Costume Contest 3:30 Halloween Happy Hour 7:00 Movie: Harper 7:15 Movie The Birds

9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 2:30 Student Trio from Longy School of Music 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 4:00 Poets Corner 7:00 Movie: Cabaret 7:15 Movie: Book Club

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 2:00 Ballroom Dancing w/ Michael Winward 3:15 Welcome Tea: Lesley Interns 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: Without Reservation 7:15 Movie: Cabaret

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Healthiest Fall Harvest Foods w/ Dietitian Sandra Peck 2:00 Forever Fit 3:30 Octoberfest Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: The Pianist 7:15 Movie: Without Reservation

9:30 Yoga w/ Nicole10:30 Dance w/ Parkinson’s Class 2:00 ArtMatters presents... America West 3:15 Knitting and Crocheting 7:00 Movie: Tommy’s Honour 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: The Piamist

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Shopping Trip: Porter Sq. 2:00 Principles of World Religions w/ Jason Gianetti 3:15 Autumn Brews 7:00 Movie: The Thin Man 7:15 Movie: Tommy’s Honour

We are thrilled to enter our sixth year of collaboration with graduate interns from Lesley University’s acclaimed Expressive Therapy program. This year we will be joined by interns Abigail Truax and Katherine Stahl. Both are master’s degree candidates in Lesley’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Abigail is specializing in Drama Therapy and Katherine is specializing in Dance/Movement Therapy. Our interns will be working with the Programs Department at Youville to develop new Drama and Movement based programs for residents.

Expressive therapy emphasizes the healing aspects of the arts with the ultimate aim of promoting improved health and wellness. According to Shaun McNiff, a pioneer in the field of expressive therapy and a professor at Lesley University, “Both art and healing transform afflictions into affirmations of life.” Licensed expressive therapists implement specific “modalities” or mediums, based on the needs of their clientele. For example, studies show that people recovering from a stroke have a speedier recovery if singing is made a part of their rehabilitation process. An expressive therapist trained in music therapy can help with this.

As with last year’s interns, we look forward to exploring the full gamut of our creative interests this year with the help of our talented expressive therapists, Abigail and Katherine.

The Healthiest Fall Harvest Foodswith Dietitian Sandra PeckWednesday, October 3 at 10:30 AMWe are in the fullness of the fall harvest season! Late summer and early fall yield a great variety of delicious produce. It is one of the most productive times of the year on New England farms and a great opportunity to eat many healthy, local fruits and vegetables. Sandra Peck, a Registered Dietitian from InBalance Nutrition, will describe the many health benefits of the fruits and vegetables that become available in the fall.

Meet Our Expressive Therapy Interns from Lesley University

Complete Your Resident & Family SatisfactionSurveys This Month

Visit 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!

Like us on Facebook

Each year, Youville House engages a consultant organization, My InnerView, to administer a Resident and Family Satisfaction Survey. Although we have an open door culture and regularly scheduled forums for residents to share ideas and suggestions, we want to provide a more formal opportunity for residents and families to offer feedback. Your input helps us identify opportunities for change and improvement.

The survey allows you to rate your satisfaction with various services and aspects of life at Youville House. It includes areas such as “Global Satisfaction,” “Home-like Atmosphere,” “Respect for Privacy,” and many other categories. Our goal, as always, is to achieve “Excellent” ratings in all areas. The survey will be hand delivered to each resident by the Programs Department staff. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey when you receive it and return it to the Programs Department in the envelope provided.Your survey is anonymous and is kept confidential.Your participation in the survey helps us to maintain our highest standards of service and to identify areas of improvement.

Thank you for taking the time to fill out the annual Resident and Family Satisfaction survey. It is very important to us to know whether Youville is meetingyour expectations. Your feedback is what enables us to continue to perfect the “Youville experience.”

Sincerely,

Nicole BreslinCEO/President

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Principles of World Religions with Jason GiannettiFriday, October 5 at 2:00 PMProfessor Giannetti will examine the underlying similarities between apparently disparate religions. The lecture/discussion will explore Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Professor Giannetti received his B.A. degree from Binghamton University, a Master’s of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School, and a Master’s of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University.

A Blundering Generation: 1846-1861Compromise of 1850with Professor Gary HylanderSunday, October 14 at 2:00 PMHoping to settle the boundaries of slavery, Henry Clay of Kentucky proposed a non-negotiable compromise known as the Compromise of 1850. Just six years later, partisan politics shattered this uneasy truce as Democrat Stephen Douglas proposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, reopening the question of the expansion of slavery. The nation was roiled by events in “Bleeding Kansas,” the publication of Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the growing Abolitionist movement.

Cocoa Beantown Chocolate Lecture SeriesPolitics of ChocolateThursday, October 25 at 2:00 PMBehind the appetizing sight and deep, rich taste of chocolate there lies a whole world of serious and fascinating issues. This lecture will explore the chocolate industry’s entanglements with child labor, the Fair Trade movement, corporate espionage, women-owned cooperatives and more. Don’t worry: there will be samples of chocolate on hand to keep your attention focused on the issues!

Grow as a Person Opportunities this Month

Star MarketMonday, October 1, 15 & 29Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PM Porter SquareFriday, October 5 & 19Time: 10:15 AM Return: 12:00 PM

Whole FoodsMonday, October 8Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PM

Assembly SquareFriday, October 12Time: 10:15 AM Return: 12:00 PM

Trader Joe’sMonday, October 22Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PM

Shopping Trips

Fall Foliage RideThursday, October 11Depart: 1:30 PMReturn: 2:30 PM Cost: freeOur autumn leaves attract tourists from all over the country. We will simply take a drive down the street to enjoy the brilliant colors! Join us for a ride through the most scenic leaf-peeping sites around Cambridge.

MidiCi Neapolitan Pizza CompanyWednesday, October 24Depart: 11:30 AMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: $ for lunchNeapolitan pizza is known for its chewy and crisp dough, made with just four high-quality ingredients: non-GMO double zero flour imported from Naples, water, sea salt and live yeast. Pizzas at MidiCi are made to order and baked for just 90 seconds in the center-staged kitchen (‘the heart”). Also available is special wood-fire roasted coffee, gourmet teas and a selection of Italian wines and beers.

Community Outings

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

Nurse’s Chatw/ Director of Wellness, Lydia KirundaThursday, October 11 at 10:30 AM

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

Programs Planning Meetingw/ Lead Programs Assistant, Nicole FerrettiTuesday, October 30 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 Outreach & Community RelationsBob Salamanca Director of Environmental ServicesVirginia Ellis Director of Community LifeDan MacRae Director of Dining ServicesTom Landry Director of Human ResourcesPaula Desmond-Wallace Regional ControllerAbygail Frankel Director of MarketingKathleen Kelleher Director of Mission & Spiritual Care

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

“There are so many old people here.”

It was a funny remark coming from “Peggy,” a sprightly woman in her eighties, her wrists adorned with clanking bracelets and her eyes gleaming with energy. She had recently moved into assisted living and was leaving the dining room, where she’d been partaking of dinner amongst the aforesaid multitude of old people. Of course, Peggy was far from the youngest person in the room, but she didn’t feel like it!

“Being old,” even in an environment that caters specifically to older adults, is a state of existence that is too often disparaged in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. When a woman such as Peggy makes a spirited remark to the effect of “I don’t feel old,” we admire her for it. Isn’t such pluck proof of being young at heart, vivacious, someone who has indeed “aged well?”

Peggy’s comment illustrates two conflicting notions of old age: The Good Kind, in which an older adults manages to escape from age-related disability and decline; and The Bad Kind, in which these conditions catch up with us. This dual picture may seem harmless enough, but a 2014 article published by the LeadingAge Magazine has linked it to a culture of social rejection and ostracism in senior living communities. The authors, all professionals in the senior services sector, were discussing the problem of ageism, a form of prejudice against older adults. Ageism is usually thought of as an intergenerational phenomenon, in which a youth-obsessed culture marginalizes its senior citizens. As the LeadingAge group discussed their own experiences with ageism, they discovered that “some of the most blatant examples of ageism and ableism occur right under our noses – specifically, within retirement living settings.”

The article outlines a sort of feedback loop that perpetuates a harmful status quo. It begins, very simply, with an internalized fear of declining with age. When older adults move into assisted living or a retirement community, the last thing they want to see (according to conventional marketing wisdom) is their internal fear of decline reflected in the community. The sight of frail elders in wheelchairs becomes a deal-breaker, and marketing professionals go to great lengths to portray their assisted living residence as “active,” place where only the Good Kind of old age prevails. With residents and marketing reinforcing one another, there is no longer room for the less independent, frail residents.

October 2018Ageism in Assisted Living: A Tale of Two Old Ages

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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

“Ableism” refers to a prejudice against those who live with diminished abilities - it could be anything from hearing loss, mobility problems, Parkinson’s disease or cognitive decline. It fuels a special type of ageism in assisted living, a force that can lead to ostracism and bullying of more vulnerable residents by the more independent residents.

How Good and Bad can lead to UglyWhen healthier, more independent residents begin to shun those who live with physical or cognitive ailments, the results can be devastating. Even an isolated incident - a slight at the dining table or a jeer in passing - can have a lasting impact on how a resident feels about her place in a community. Such isolated incidents often lead to social isolation and increased rates of depression.

The same residents who shun their frailer counterparts are likely to suffer from their own negative attitudes later on. According to the research of pioneers like Yale’s Dr. Becca Levy, people who are fearful or pessimistic about old age are more likely to experience their own physical, cognitive and psychological setbacks to a greater degree than those with positive attitudes about aging. The LeadingAge article cites a study from the Journal of Personality and Psychology that “found that those with negative self-perceptions of aging had life spans that were 7.5 years shorter than those with positive self-perceptions of aging. There is significant, and potentially life-threatening harm being inflicted on those who are marginalized or ostracized in retirement communities.”

The solution to ableism and ageism in assisted living requires that we tear down our ideas of The Good Kind and The Bad Kind of old age. In his book Dementia Beyond Disease: Enhancing Well-Being, G. Alan Powers makes the case for integrating traditional assisted living residents with memory support residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. He believes that this is a first step toward combating the stigma of Alzheimer’s and creating a more accepting environment for older adults. His ideas are beginning to garner support in some communities.

In assisted living, the diversity of ages and abilities can span fullgenerations. It’s not unheard of for table of three at dinner to include a 60-year old, an 80-year old and a 98-year old. As we continue to live longer, and as more baby boomers enter assisted living, it is more important than ever that we embrace a more unified, inclusive concept of old age.

Balance Challenge Broadway Seated Dance Forever Fit Stretch & Flex Yoga w/ Nicole

Tomatoes are famous for their high concentration of healthy antioxidants. One such antiodixant, called lycopene, is associated with cancer prevention, as well as heart and bone health.

Catholic Mass The Lives & Times of Biblical Women w/ Rabbi Natan Margalit Feast Day of St. Marguerite d’Youville Rosary

The Politics of Chocolate w/ Cocoa Beantown Lecture: The Compromise of 1850 w/ Professor Gary Hylander Jazz Talks: Benny Goodman’s Musical Roots w/ Peter Gerler

ArtMatters Presents . . . American West Beethoven Sonata Series w/ Brady Millican Pulitzer Prize-Winning Musicals w/ Richard Travers Steps in Time: Ballroom Dancing w/ Michael Winward

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©