Assisted Living Residences

“open” the home to the elements, taking bedding, rugs, drapes and what-have-you outside to beat out the months of accumulated soot and grime.

According to a Smithsonian exhibit on the history of housekeeping, men would be banished from the house so that women could concentrate on the arduous process of home sanitation. This could take as long as an entire week!

Household soot and oily residue may be things of the past, but spring cleaning remains an important ritual for modern housekeepers. Tidying the home makes for a refreshing, organized living space. If you are an older adult, tidying can be as much about ensuring home safety as contentment, as excessive clutter is a major risk factor for falls. Clutter can also make you more likely to misplace important items and generally more frustrated from day to day.

Make a To-Do ListAre there old clothes you’ve been meaning to donate? Magazines or

Why do we undertake our most significant cleaning enterprises in the spring rather than summer, fall or winter?

Along with the inherently empowering joys of getting organized, the anticipation of warmer days may be reason enough for one to become excited about tidying upthe home. However, you may wonder if there is more to the spring cleaning tradition. A brief historical survey provides us with interesting information about how, why and when spring cleaning became such an ingrained household tradition.

The origin of spring cleaningBefore the advent of central heating, most households burned coal and wood to heat their homes, and used oil lamps for light. Prolonged use of these methods throughout the winter would literally dirty the walls, windows and other surfaces of the home. Spring was the time when the weather became warm enough to open the windows and air out the home. The homemakers – in the 19th century, nearly always women – would

Celebrate Easter with Pianist Steve HeckSunday, April 1 at 2:30 PMEnjoy an afternoon concert with classical pianist Steve Heck following the Easter meal.

April 2018Spring Cleaning: A Tradition, A Mindset

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Concert Highlights in April

“Spring Cleaning” continued from page 1 Why The Boston Marathon is Held on Patriots’ DayOn April 19th, 1775, American militia men fired the first shots of the American Revolution in Lexington, Massachusetts. Nearly a century later, on April 19th, 1867, long-distance runners gathered outside of Boston to compete in the first ever Boston Marathon. The Boston Marathon has been held annually on Patriots’ Day ever since, linking America’s battle for independence to one of sports’ most challenging athletic events.

What do a bunch of long-distance runners have to do with the “shot heard round the world?”

In fact, the very essence of the traditional marathon race is linked to a much older battle for independence, and to the survival of democracy itself. In 490 BC, an invading Persian army landed 26 miles north of Athens, on the coastal plain of Marathon. Panicked, outnumbered, and fearing the dire consequences of Persian rule, theAthenians sent a professional runner named Pheidippides on a 140-mile trek to Sparta to seek military assistance. According to Herodotus’ account in The Histories, Pheidippides accomplished this run in less than two days, only to catch the Spartans in the midst of a 10-day religious festival that precluded them from sending military aid. Pheidippides had no choice but to turn around and run back to Athens to deliver this less-than-optimal news.

Nonetheless, the much smaller Athenian army defeated the Persians at the legendary Battle of Marathon and preserved their democratic way of life. After their victory, the Athenian soldiers marched 26 miles back to Athens. This turned out to be a more manageable distance for modern runners than Pheidippides’ 140-mile journey!

When the Boston Athletic Association established the first Boston Marathon in 1867, the connection between Athenian independence and American independence was a key consideration. To hold the race on Patriots’ day explicitly linked these two themes together, adding a new dimension to our celebration of America’s independence.

Soloists of New England PerformanceTuesday, April 15 at 2:00 PMFounded in 2017, Soloists of New England brings talented, local classical musicians to perform together for diverse audiences throughout Greater Boston and New England. Cellist Young Sook Lee will perform with pianist Hokyong Choi, violinist Hyungjung Kim, violist Minjung Chun and flutist Ju Hee Kang. Together and as soloists, they will perform works by Bach, Mozart, Halvorsen and Piazzolla.

MIT RibotonesSunday, April 29 at 2:00 PMThe MIT Ribotones consist of undergraduates (and a few recent alumni) of MIT who share a love of music and performing. They are high caliber musicians who also play with the MIT orchestra and participate in various musical organizations when they are not busy studying. They performed a wonderful concert last year at Youville and we are excited to have them back!

old mailings you have not yet gotten rid of? Confidential documents you need to shred? Unopened mail? Books you have been meaning to return to the library? Write it all down and check off items as you go through them.

Keep your Sentimentality in CheckSentimentality can put a wrench in the best-laid decluttering plans. If you have trouble getting rid of things because of sentimentality, try to ask yourself: have I used this in the last week, month, or even year? How likely am I to use it in the future?

An organized living space is an organized mindAccording to journalist J. Brian Lowder, “you need to approach cleaning as both a set of methods to be learned and as a kind of mindfulness to be practiced.” Yes, spring cleaning can be meditative and even spiritually fulfilling. According to Lowder, it should be both of these things if you wish to increase your chances of success. A key to being organized is having a concept that underlies your tasks and guides you through them, a kind of “vision” to keep you inspired and motivated.

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Ballroom Dance with Michael WinwardTuesday, April 10 at 2:00 PMHave you ever wished you could take ballroom dancing lessons? Now you can! With 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 workshops 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. Most importantly, it’s fun!Master Thieves: The Gardner Art Heistwith journalist Steven KurkjianThursday, April 12 at 2:00 PMThe 1990 theft of 13 pieces of art from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum remains the largest art theft in world history. Despite the best efforts of authorities, it remains unsolved. Thirteen pieces of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Degas were taken in a daring midnight heist. While the museum has offered a $10 million reward for their return, nothing has ever been found and no one was ever arrested. Stephen Kurkjian, an investigative reporter for The Boston Globe, has written a critically acclaimed book about the heist called Master Thieves: The Boston Gangsters Who Pulled Off the World’s Greatest Art Heist. Mr. Kurkjian will share the fascinating story of the heist, as well as public appeals for information that may lead to recovery. Drumming Circle with SoulWorks RhythmFriday, April 13 at 2:00 PMExperience the exhilaration of communal drumming! Learn the basics of drumming and musically collaborate with fellow residents. SoulWorks Rhythm will provide an array of drums and guide the group through traditional drumming techniques.

Broadway Seated Dance with Phyllis RittnerTuesday, April 3, 10, 17 & 24 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! Writing Workshop with Tom DaleyTuesday, April 3 & 24 at 7:00 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. ArtMatters Presents . . . Symbolism & ExpressionismThursday, April 5 at 2:00 PMThe creative legacy left by Gauguin and Van Gogh led to the blossoming of Symbolism and Expressionism in the early 20th century. These movements crossed new aesthetic boundaries, prioritizing self-expression and intensifying emotional experience. Join us to see the powerful, often unsettling works of Munch, Klimt and Beckman. Shall We Dance?with pianist Sivan EtedgeeFriday, April 6 at 2:00 PMSince the dawn of humankind, we have sung and danced. This presentation will explore how changing styles of dance have influenced musical genres as we know them today. Pianist Sivan Etedgee will focus on classical music from Renaissance Spain, Parisian ballrooms and even the streets of Argentina. He will perform selections from Bach, Chopin, Villa-Lobos and Piazolla.

Monthly Highlights...

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9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:15 Writting w/ Leah 2:00 Bible Series: Old-New World w/ Rabbi Neal Gold 3:15 Book Review w/ Janet 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: Iron Jawed Angels 7:15 Movie: Light between Oceans

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:15 Craft Connection 2:00 Writing Workshop w/ Tom Daley 3:15 Garden Club 4:00 Rosary 7:00 An Evening of Music w/ Pianist Nancy Day

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 Forever Fit! 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Happy Hour In Greece 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: Born Yesterday 7:15 Movie: Selma

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 Outreach Project 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Flag Day Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: The Third Man 7:15 Movie: Someone Up There Likes Me

9:30 Yoga w/ Nicole10:30 Knitting and Crocheting 2:00 Resident Management Mtg. 3:15 Bible Study w/ Matt 7:00 Movie: Selma 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: Born Yesterday

9:30 Balance Challenge10:00-12:00 Open Art Studio10:15 Shopping Trip: Porter Sq.10:30 Woodworking Project 2:00 Drumming Circle w/ Soulworks Rhythm 3:15 Storytelling w/ Leah 7:00 Bonus Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: To Kill a Mockingbird 9:30 Balance Challenge10:00-12:00 Open Art Studio10:15 Shopping Trip: Target 2:00 Photography Presentation w/ Barry Pell 3:30 Storytelling w/ Leah 7:00 Double Woodwind Quintet Open Rehearsals 7:00 Movie: Light between Oceans

9:30 Balance Challenge10:00-12:00 Open Art Studio10:15 Shopping Trip: Porter Sq.10:30 Woodworking Project 2:00 Classical Pianist Lisa Caliri 3:00 Storytelling w/ Leah 7:00 Bonus Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: 9 to 5

Patriots’ Day 9:30 Balance Challenge10:30 Movie Selection Mtg.12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 2:00 Great Courses on DVD: Apostolic Fathers 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 4:00 Poets Corner 7:00 Songs by Roy

2:00 Musical Performance w/ the Soloists of New England 3:00 Bridge Club 7:00 Movie: Iron Jawed Angels 7:15 Movie: His Friday Girls

Earth Day 2:00 Matinee Movie: Martian 3:00 Bridge Club 7:00 Movie: Martian 7:15 Movie: Marty

Catholic Mass Daily at 10:45 AM

Beauty Salon OpenWednesday & Friday

9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Trader Joe’s 1:20 CRLS Portrait Art Class 2:00 Great Courses on DVD: Historical Jesus 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: 9 to 5 7:15 Movie: What Dreams May Come

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9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:15 Food Forum 2:00 Ballroom Dancing w/ Michael Winward 3:15 Writting w/ Leah 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: Brigadoon 7:15 Movie: Intermezzo

9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Whole Foods 1:20 CRLS Portrait Art Class 2:00 Wellness Chat: Parkinson’s w/ Annisa Schollard 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Intermezzo 7:15 Movie: Brigadoon

9:30 Yoga w/ Nicole10:30 Guided Meditation 1:00 Trip: Isabella Stewart Gardner Musuem 3:15 Bible Study w/ Matt 7:00 Movie: Someone Up There Likes Me 7:15 Movie: The Third Man

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging11:30 Lunch Trip: Cafe Barada 2:00 Nutrionist Sandra Peck visits 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: Henry V 7:15 Movie: Sweney Todd

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9:30 Yoga w/ Nicole10:30 Nurse’s Chat 2:00 Isabella Stewart Gardner Art Heist w/ Steven Kurkjian 3:15 Bible Study w/ Matt 7:00 Movie: Sweney Todd 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: Hevry V

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: A Place in the Sun 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: A Place in the Sun 7:15 Movie: Stranger on a Train

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Programs Planning Mtg. 12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 1:20 CRLS Portrait Art Class 2:00 Great Courses on DVD: Historical Jesus 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Sabrina 7:15 Movie: Darkest Hour

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Double Woodwind Quintet Open Rehearsals 2:00 Caring Canines 3:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: To Kill a Mockingbird 7:15 Movie: His Friday Girl

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Marty 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Marty 7:15 Movie: Martian

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Fiddler On the Roof 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Fiddler On the Roof 7:15 Movie: Hotel Rwanda

April 2018

Parkinson’s Support Group Tuesday, April 17

at 3:00 PMDance w/ Parkinson’s

Tuesday, April 3, 10, 17 & 24at 10:30 AM

RosaryTuesday at 4:00 PM

Transportation HoursMonday - Friday

8:00 AM- 2:00 PM

9:30 Balance Challenge10:00-12:00 Open Art Studio10:30 Woodworking Project: Bird Houses 2:00 Shall We Dance w/ Pianist Sivan Etedgee 3:30 Storytelling w/ Leah 7:00 Movie: Stranger on a Train 7:15 Movie: Jackie

2:00 America 1968 Lecture Series The Tet Offensive w/ Gary Hylander 3:00 Bridge Club7:00 Movie: A Place in the Sun7:15 Movie: Jackie

Personal Training w/ Forever FitWednesday, April 11 & 25

at 2:00 PM

2:00 Musical Performance w/ MIT Ribotones 3:00 Bridge Club 7:00 Movie: Hotel Rwanda 7:15 Movie: Fiddler On the Roof

Boston Red Sox Opening Day 9:30 Yoga w/ Nicole10:30 Guided Meditation 2:00 ArtMatters presents... Symbolism & Expressionism 3:15 Bible Study w/ Matt 7:00 Movie: Wonder 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: The 400 Blows

Happy EasterApril Fools Day2:30 Celebrate Easter w/ Pianist Steve Heck 3:00 Bridge Club7:00 Movie: Anne Of The 1,000 Days7:15 Movie: Hugo

9:30 Balance Challenge12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 1:20 CRLS Portrait Art Class 2:00 Great Courses on DVD: Apostolic Fathers 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 4:00 Poets Corner 7:00 Movie: Hugo 7:15 Movie: Anne Of The 1,000...

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:15 Craft Connection 2:00 Writing Workshop w/ Tom Daley 3:15 Jeopardy Trivia 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: Guess Who is Coming for Dinner 7:15 Movie: Wonder

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 Forever Fit! 3:00 Nurturing Room 4:00 Happy Hour @ Fenway 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: The 400 Blows 7:15 Movie: Guess Who is Coming for Dinner

“One word, Benjamin. Just one word. Are you ready? Plastics.”

This famous aside from The Graduate (1967) seems like the perfect way to introduce Earth Day, 2018. The theme for this year’s Earth Day, which falls on April 22, is ending pollution caused by the extraordinary amount of plastic waste that has accumulated on our planet. Mr. MacGuire’s urgent tone in the movie, though perhaps originally driven by capitalistic impulses, is entirely fitting for our environmental situation today.

All About PlasticPlastic was invented in 1907 through a process that used leftover materials from the refining of oil and natural gas. Since its invention, 9.1 billion US tons of non-recycled plastic have been produced. According to a report from the Earth Day Network, this has generated 6.9 billion tons of plastic waste. Only 9% of this waste has been recycled and 12% has been incinerated. The rest - some 5.5 billion US tons - are sitting in landfills and littering our streets and natural environment.

By cutting down on our plastic consumption, not only will we reduce litter but we can also counteract global warming. Plastic production relies on drilling and refining oil, a process that pollutes the air and generates greenhouse gasses. A society that relies less on plastic production will contribute less to the warming of the planet.

To learn more, visit the official Earth Day website atwww.earthday.org

“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!

These steps are adapted from the website Action for Happiness (www.actionforhappiness.org):• Do things for others: Caring about others is fundamental to our happiness.• Connect with People: Relationships are the most important overall contributor to happiness.• Take care of your body: Being active is both physically and emotionally healthy • Live life mindfully: take time to stop and notice the world around you• Learn: Learning exposes us to new ideas and helps us stay curious and engaged.• Have goals to look forward to: Feeling good about the future is important for our happiness. • Look for what’s good: Positive emotions - like joy, gratitude, contentment, inspiration, and pride - are not just great at the time. Recent research shows that regularly experiencing them creates an ‘upward spiral’, helping to build our resources.• Be comfortable with who you are: Being kinder to ourselves when things go wrong helps us bounce back.In interviews with gratitude researcher, Professor Robert Emmons, University of California, he suggests four simple steps to foster gratitude: Smile. Say thank you. Make gratitude visits. Write thank you notes. Gratitude is considered a key factor in happiness. Michael Craig Miller, M.D., Harvard Medical School, has written: “Gratitude is strongly and consistently linked to greater happiness. Expressing gratitude helps people feel positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships.”And as always, it helps to count your blessings instead of rehashing your woes.

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

Earth Day 2018: End Plastic PollutionHappiness is Achievableby Rita Watson

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“America: 1968” Lecture Series with Gary HylanderThe Tet OffensiveSunday, April 8 at 2:00 PMThis year marks the 50th anniversary of the most significant campaign of the Vietnam War, known as the Tet Offensive. On the first day of the Vietnamese New Year, Vietcong fighters launched attacks against virtually every significant target in South Vietnam. Tet had a major impact on the political climate surrounding the war at home, re-energizing the anti-war movement and undermining previous assurances that America was on its way to victory.

Bible Series with Rabbi Neal GoldOld-New World: An Introduction to the Thinkers Who Created Modern IsraelTuesday, April 17 at 2:00 PMThe State of Israel came into existence through a confluence of forces in the 19th century. Taken together, they made up the era known as “modernity.” The intellectual founders of Israel were a diverse group covering wide ideological terrain. Each of them had a stake in creating the modern Middle East as it has come to be.

Photography Presentation w/ Barry PellAntarctica: Travels at the End of the WorldFriday, April 20 at 2:00 PMAntarctica is the coldest, windiest, driest place on earth. Two-thirds of our planet’s fresh water is locked up there in an ice continent twice the size of Australia.Although an ice sheet covers 99 percent of the land, the exposed areas along the coast nourish a wealth of tiny plants and sea creatures which in turn support the world’s greatest concentrations of wildlife in the sea, on land, and in the air. Barry Pell traveled by ship to Antarctica for two weeks in January of 2017. Through his stunning photography, he will present a compelling, first hand account of his travels, by sea and on land, through this magnificent and unique continent.

Grow as a Person Opportunities this Month

Star MarketMonday, April 2, 16 & 30Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PM

Whole FoodsMonday, April 9Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PM

TargetFriday, April 20Time: 10:15 AM Return: 12:00 PM

Trader Joe’sMonday, April 23Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PM

Porter SquareFriday, April 13 & 27Time: 10:15 AM Return: 12:00 PM

Shopping Trips

Community OutingsLunch Trip: Cafe BaradaWednesday, April 11Depart: 11:30 AMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: $ for lunchCafe Barada is a family-run restauraant in Cambridge serving Lebanese food, wine and cocktails. Specialties include hummus, falafel and pita wraps.

Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumThursday, April 26Depart: 1:00 PMReturn: 4:30 PM Cost: $12.00The Isabella Steward Gardner Museum is home to a famous collection of fine and decorative artworks collected from all corners of the world. The building is a stunning 15th-century Venetian-style palace, with three stories of galleries containing more than 2,500 paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, manuscripts, rare books and decorative arts. The galleries house works by some of the most recognized artists in the world, including Titian, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Manet, Degas, Whistler and Sargent.

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April Meetings

Food Forum w/ Director of Dining Services, Dan MacRaeTuesday, April 10 at 10:15 AM

Nurse’s Chatw/ Director of Wellness, Lydia KirundaThursday, April 12 at 10:30 AM

Resident Management Meetingw/ Youville DirectorsThursday, April 19 at 2:00 PM

Programs Planning Meetingw/ Director of Programs, Katie BlanchardMonday, April 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 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

Charles Dickens had an unusual way of sparking new ideas. After a long day spent writing at his desk, the world-famous author would regularly set out on the streets of London and walk at a brisk pace. On these daily walks he would find himself dreaming up new characters and devising the next plot twist of a novel in progress.Dickens’ walks were not just casual strolls. They were intensive physical feats that could last for hours. According to a biography by Peter Ackroyd, Dickens would sometimes walk 12 miles a day, a distance he could cover in two and a half hours! According to his own testimony in The Uncommercial Traveler, “My last special feat was turning out of bed at two, after a hard day, pedestrian and otherwise, and walking thirty miles into the country to breakfast.”Dickens’ exercise habits may seem extreme, but they likely had a significant effect on his creative output. Modern neurologists have discovered that aerobic exercises such as walking, pedaling, swimming or jogging are associated with a vast array of cognitive benefits andthat older adults have just as much to gain as any other age group. You may not be able to walk 12 miles like Dickens, but whatever you can do to elevate your heart rate for an extended period is likely to make you feel better and think more clearly. Exercise Promotes Vascular Health in the BrainStudies have shown that there is a correlation between unhealthy capillaries in the brain and unhealthy synapses. When synapses get old from continually firing signals from one neuron to the next, they start to wear down and eventually shrivel. This process results in cognitive decline, and seems to accelerate when the capillaries that deliver blood to the brain are unhealthy. Aerobic exercise burns calories, reduces cholesterol and accelerates the heart rate, keeping blood vessels happy. As the heart pumps blood throughout the body, the capillaries in the brain are replenished and fortified, providing neurons with ongoing “fertilizer” and ensuring that their synapses remain strong. “Neurogenesis”Two studies in Finland have made exciting discoveries about how exercise may prevent cognitive decline. The first study, published in 2015 in the journal Lancet, demonstrated that a group of adults between the ages of 60 and 77 were less likely to get dementia when they exercised regularly. More recently, a Finnish study earlier this year explicitly connected aerobic endurance exercise to increased brain volume. In this study, researchers from the University of Jyvaskyla tested a large group of mature rats. The critters were divided into three test groups. One group jogged long

April 2018Why Exercise is Great for your Brain

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Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©

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distances on a wheel every day. Another lifted tiny weights with their tails while climbing a wall, and a third group engaged in interval training. A fourth control group did not exercise at all.The scientists wanted to monitor which form of exercise led to the most significant growth of new brain cells – a process called “neurogenesis.” They were able to track brain cell growth by injecting the rats with a special dye that would mark new cells in the hippocampus, the part of the brain we use for memory, learning and emotion. Ultimately, this study found that aerobic exercise can “double or even triple the number of neurons that appear afterward in the animals’ hippocampus compared to the brains of animals that remain sedentary.”This study provides physical evidence of how exercise may help prevent memory loss in older adults. While health experts have long suspected that exercise plays a key role, we now know that it can actually stimulate the growth of new cells in the hippocampus. Incidentally, the hippocampus is the first area of the brain to be attacked by Alzheimer’s disease. Reduced StressChronic stress overloads the body with cortisol, the hormone that triggers our “fight or flight” response. When stressful situations overwhelm us, our ability to think abstractly and perform complicated tasks diminishes. Too much cortisol over the long term has been linked to adverse effects such as high blood pressure, depression and dementia.Exercise helps the body fight stress by releasing a steady stream of cortisol into the blood stream. Over time, through repeated exercise and exposure to cortisol, the body increases its threshold for stressful situations. After a few weeks of regular exercise, a situation that previously incapacitated us with stress is easier to manage, because the body has trained itself to release smaller amounts of cortisol.At Youville, we offer structured exercise opportunities six days a week. Join the Programs Department in the morning for Stretch & Flex, Balance Challenge, Broadway Seated Dance or Yoga; and in the afternoon for Forever Fit. If you are more of a solitary exerciser, you might try going out for your own long, Dickensian jaunt through Cambridge.

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

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

Catholic Mass Bible Study with Matt Rosary Bible Series: Old New World w/ Rabbi Neal Gold

Harvard Conversation Project: Being Mortal w/ Maria Benoit Master Thieves: The Gardner Art Heist w/ Stephen Kurkjian America, 1968: The Tet Offensive w/ Professor Gary Hylander

ArtMatters Presents . . . Symbolism & Expressionism

Soloists of New England Shall We Dance w/ pianist Sivan Etedgee Steps in Time: Ballroom Dancing w/ Michael Winward

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©