Assisted Living Residences

Marguerite was born in 1701 in Varennes, Quebec. Her early life had its share of misfortune, starting 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 begun. The women were mocked as “the tipsy nuns,”

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.

Celebrating our Foundress, St. Marguerite d’YouvilleOctober 2018

Halloween Fun ....with Bonaparté, “Boston’s Hottest Magician”Sunday, October 21 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!

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The ChateauWednesday, October 3Depart: 11:30 AMReturn: 2:30 PM Cost: $ for lunchOwned and operated by the Nocera Family, The Chateau of Waltham opened in 1933 and set the standard for providing the tradition of Italian family dining, friendly service and quality food at reasonable prices. Enjoy a wide variety of Italian cuisine with traditional favorites such as pasta served with homemade sauce and meatballs to fine seafood entrees. Every meal begins with a basket of famous Chateau bread.

Fall Foliage RideWednesday, October 10Depart: 10:30 AMReturn: 11:30 AM 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 Lexington.

Merchant’s Row at The Colonial InnWednesday, October 24Depart: 11:00 AMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: $ for lunchRefined but not formal, Merchant’s Row is a beautiful restaurant surrounded by 300 years of living history in The Colonial Inn. It is the perfect destination for an enjoyable lunch!

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!

Community OutingsMusic & PerformanceMusic History with Richard TraversThe Pulitzer Prize-Winning MusicalsMonday, October 1 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.

Sing! The Greatest Songs with Jack Craig1953 - 1954Thursday, October 11 at 1:30 PM“Sing! The Greatest Songs” is devoted to the most popular songs of the 20th century. This program features dozens of songs performed by Jack Craig, who provides fascinating anecdotes about the artists and the songs. All of the songs in this program were published between 1953 and 1954. Mr. Craig also provides booklets containing the lyrics to all of the songs so the audience can sing along!

Beethoven Sonata Series with Pianist Brady MillicanSunday, October 14 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.

An Afternoon of Music with Nancy DayTuesday, October 23 at 2:00 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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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.

Acrylic Painting with Eddie BrucknerFriday, October 19 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.

Jazz Talks with Peter GerlerBenny Goodman’s Musical RootsMonday, October 22 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.

Photography Presentation with Barry PellGalápagosFriday, October 26 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.

Principles of World Religions with Professor Jason GiannettiTuesday, October 2 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.

Broadway Seated Dance with Phyllis RittnerWednesday, October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 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 Wednesday mornings!

ArtMatters Presents . . . Georgia O’KeeffeTuesday, October 9 at 2:00 PMGeorgia O’Keeffe blurred the boundaries between realism and abstraction and established herself as one of the most famous American artists of her time. Known as the “Mother of American Modernism,” O’Keeffe’s influence continues to this day. Join us for a look at her art, her personal life and her creative innovations in an era of great cultural change.

A Blundering Generation: 1846-1861Compromise of 1850with Professor Gary HylanderSaturday, October 13 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,

Monthly Highlights...

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9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Chaplet of Divine Mercy11:00 Confessions 2:00 Discussion Series: Aging w/ Arnold Robbins 3:15 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

9:30 Stretch & Flex 10:15 Art Expressions 2:00 An Afternoon of Music w/ Nancy Day 3:15 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: Arsenic and Old Lace

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:30 Centering Prayer 1:30 Documentary Movie: Won’t You Be My Neighbor? 2:00 Discussion w/ John S. The Declaration of Independence . 7:00 Documentary Movie: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:30 Centering Prayer 11:00 Lunch Trip: The Colonial Inn 1:30 Documentary: Salem Witch Trials 7:00 Documentary: Salem Witch Trials

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Programs Planning Mtg. 1:00 Trans. to Lexington Ctr. 2:00 Forever Fit! 4:00 Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Kiss Me Kate

9:30 Balance Challenge 9:30 Shopping Trip: Burlington Market Basket 2:00 Welcome Tea: Meet Lesley Intern Elizabeth 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: Doubt

9:30 Balance Challenge12:00 Birthday Luncheon 1:30 Caring Canines 2:30 Acrylic Painting Class w/ Eddie Bruckner 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: Great Expectations

9:30 Balance Challenge 9:30 Shopping Trip: Bedford Stop & Shop10:30 Current Events w/ Pam 2:00 Photography Presentation: Galapagos w/ Barry Pell 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: The Crucible

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Cooking with Christie 1:30 Silent Movie w/ Richard Hughes 3:00 Autumn Brews 7:00 Spooky Saturday Movie: Young Frankenstein

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 A Morning at the Spa 1:30 Bonus Bingo 3:00 Autumn Brews 7:00 Spooky Saturday Movie: Sleepy Hollow

9:30 Balance Challenge10:30 Word Play! 2:00 Jazz Talks: Benny Goodman w/ Peter Gerler 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Stimulate Your Senses 2:00 Musical Performance Soloists of New England 3:15 Sit & Sip Social 7:00 Classic Movie: A Farewell to Arms

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Stimulate Your Senses 2:00 Beethoven Sonatas Concert Series w/ Brady Millican 3:15 Sit & Sip Social 7:00 Classic Movie: Funny Face 9:30 Stretch & Flex 10:30 Stimulate Your Senses1:00-3:00 Halloween Fun... w/ Magician Bonaparte! 7:00 Classic Movie: All the Kings Men

Country StoreHours

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

9:30 Balance Challenge10:30 Outreach Project: Halloween Treat Bags 2:00 Drumming Circle w/ SoulWorks Rhythm 4:00 Feast of St. Marguerite 7:00 Movie: Mrs. Doubtfire

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9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Art Expressions11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2:00 ArtMatters presents... Georgia O’Keeffe 3:15 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: Brigadoon

9:30 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Forever Fit! 4:00 Pumpkinfest Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: The Nightmare Before Christmas

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 A Morning at the Spa 2:00 A Blundering Generation: Compromise of 1850 w/ Gary Hylander 3:00 Autumn Brews 7:00 Spooky Saturday Movie: The Little Vampire

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:30 Centering Prayer 10:30 Trip: Fall Foliage Ride 2:00 Politics of Chocolates w/ Cocoa Beantown 7:00 Documentary Movie: Three Identical Strangers

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9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Nurse’s Chat 1:30 Sing the Greatest Songs w/ Jack Craig 4:00 Applefest Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: The Pirates of Penzance

9:30 Stretch & Flex11:00 Fatima Rosary Group 1:30 Bonus Bingo 2:00 Matinee Movie: The Corpse Bride 3:00 Autumn Brews 7:00 Spooky Saturday Movie: The Corpse Bride

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9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Connection with Nature: Leaf Decoupage 2:00 October Jeopardy Trivia 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Stimulate Your Senses 2:00 Painting with Breanna 3:15 Sit & Sip Social 7:00 Classic Movie: Dracula

Manicures w/ JoanneMonday, October 15 & 29

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Transportation HoursMonday through Friday

8:00 AM- 2:00 PM

9:30 Stretch & Flex 10:30 Let’s Talk Food11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2:00 Discussion Series: Aging w/ Arnold Robbins 3:15 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: Hocus Pocus

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Poetry & Prose: Edgar Allen Poe 2:00 The Lives & Times of Biblical Women Series w/ Rabbi Natan Margalit 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: My Man Godfrey

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:30 Centering Prayer 1:30 Documentary: Haunted History of Halloween 2:30 Youville’s Spooktacular Halloween Costume Contest 7:00 Documentary: Haunted History of Halloween

On Site Hearing ScreeningsFriday, October 12

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

9:30 Balance Challenge 9:30 Shopping Trip: Lexington Stop & Shop 1:00 Blood Pressure Clinic 1:30 Wellness Chat 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: Divorce, Italian Style

9:30 Stretch & Flex11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2:00 Principles of World Religions Series w/ Jason Giannetti 7:00 Movie: The Queen

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Healthiest Fall Harvest Foods w/ Dietitian Sandra Peck 1:00 Trans. to Lexington Ctr. 2:00 Resident Management Mtg. 4:00 Oktoberfest Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Annie Get Your Gun

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:30 Centering Prayer 11:30 Lunch Trip: The Chateau 1:30 Documentary Movie: RBG 3:00 Black Jack 7:00 Documentary Movie: RBG

9:30 Balance Challenge10:30 Low Vision Support Group 2:00 Music Lecture Series: Pulitzer Prize Winning Musicals w/ Richard Travers 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: The Caine Mutiny

Complete Your Resident & Family Satisfaction Survey This MonthEach year, Youville Place 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,

Joanne SciannaCOO

Flu ClinicWednesday, October 24 at 10:00 AMGetting an annual flu shot is one of the best steps you can take to avoid getting sick during flu season. Winchester Pharmacy will offer free flu shots at Youville on October 24. Be sure to sign up at the Reception Desk!

Meet Our Expressive Therapy InternFrom Lesley UniversityWe are thrilled to enter a new school year of collaboration with graduate interns from Lesley University’s acclaimed Expressive Therapy program. This year we will be joined by intern Elizabeth Shillington, a master’s degree candidate in Lesley’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with aconcentration in Dance/Movement Therapy. Elizabeth will be working with the Programs Department at Youville to develop new 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 Elizabeth’s help. Be sure to meet Elizabeth at her Welcome Tea on Friday, October 12 at 2:00 pm.

The Healthiest Fall Harvest Foodswith Dietitian Sandra PeckThursday, October 4 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.

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Grow as a Person Opportunities

The Lives and Times of Biblical Womenwith Rabbi Natan MargalitMonday, October 8 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.

Cocoa Beantown Chocolate Lecture SeriesPolitics of ChocolateWednesday, October 10 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!

Aging, Depression & Resiliency with Dr. Arnold Robbins, Boston UniversityTuesday, October 16 & 30 at 2:00 PMAging is often accompanied by challenging life circumstances. This discussion series will touch on the age-related topics that most significantly affect our sense of emotional and spiritual wellness. Topics will include spirituality and religion, loneliness, coping with depression, keeping interests alive, friends and family, memory issues and a range of additional topics.

Lexington Center / Walgreen’sThursday, October 4 & 18Time: 1:00 PM Return: 2:30 PM

Lexington Stop & ShopFriday, October 5 Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:00 AM

Burlington Market BasketFriday, October 12Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:00 AM

Bedford Stop & ShopFriday, October 26Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:00 AM

Happy Birthday!

Marie K. October 6Mary O. October 14Elsie S. October 14Mary H. October 26 Residents born in October are invited to lunch in the Private Dining Room to celebrate on Friday, October 19 at 12:00 PM.

Shopping Trips

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.

The Grey Nuns cordially invite you to elebrate the Feast of St. Marguerite on Monday, October 15 at 4:00 PM in the Youville Place Chapel.

St. Marguerite d’Youville continued from page 1

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

Blood Pressure ClinicFriday, October 5 at 1:00 PM

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

Programs Planning Meetingw/ Lead Programs Assistant, Simona GranfoneThursday, October 18 at 10:30 AM

Let’s Talk Foodw/ Director of Dining Services, Dan MacRaeTuesday, October 30 at 10:30 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 ServicesTransportation HoursMonday through Friday8:00 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 Tom Landry Director of Human ResourcesKathleen Kelleher Director of Mission & Spiritual CarePaula Desmond-Wallace Regional ControllerKatie 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 the Courtyard

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

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.

“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

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

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 rarticle 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.

Broadway Seated Dance w/ Phyllis Rittner Balance Challenge Stretch & Flex 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 Centering Prayer Discovering Jewish Spirituality w/ Rabbi Natan Margalit Feast Day of St. Marguerite d’Youville

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 . . . Georgia O’Keeffe 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.©