Assisted Living Residences

Why Donate to Team Youville?Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive illness that attacks brain cells, is the sixth leading cause of death in America. Over five million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and nearly 16 million serve as a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

If you would like to contribute to Team Youville, contact the Programs Department or contribute online through The Longest Day Alzheimer’s Association website by searching for “Team Youville!”

On Friday, June 21, we will experience the longest period of daylight all year, the summer solstice. The Alzheimer’s Association has taken advantage of this sunny occasion to raise money for a good cause. The result is The Longest Day, a nationwide Alzheimer’s fundraising event that lasts all day and encourages fundraisers to raise money by doing . . . whatever they want!

From organizing a group walk-a-thon to selling lemonade, all activities are on the table. At Youville, we will be “going purple” during the week of the solstice to show support for The Alzheimer’s Association as we raise funds for The Longest Day. During Happy Hour on Wednesday, June 19, staff will compete in a Purple Costume Contest and the winner will be judged by residents. Our memory support community, The Courtyard at Youville Place, will host a barbecue for residents, families and Courtyard staff.

All proceeds from our Longest Day fundraising activities will benefit The Alzheimer’s Association.

Celebrate Father’s Day with Pianist MinKyung OhSunday, June 16 at 2:30 PMEnjoy a splendid piano performance following the Father’s Day meal.

June 2019Youville Goes Purple for The Longest Day

Sufism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Native American traditions. The course will explore themes such as spiritual quest, growth and challenge.

Drumming Circle with SoulWorks Rhythm Friday, June 14 at 2:00 PMRecently, drumming has been associated with therapeutic benefits like lower blood pressure, stress relief and improved coordination. Learn the basics of drumming and musically collaborate with fellow participants. SoulWorks Rhythm will provide an array of drums and guide the group through traditional drumming techniques.

An Evening of Music with Nancy Day Wednesday, June 19 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.

A Brief History with Anne BarrettHollywood: Wild West to Movie MeccaFriday, June 21 at 2:00 PMDiscover how Hollywood evolved from a small, conservative community into a glittering movie mecca full of glamorous stars and eye-popping scandal. Historical interpreter Anne Barrett will share clips from the earliest films that helped to launch the movie industry and transform Hollywood.

Downtown Crossing Barbershop QuartetSaturday, June 22 at 7:00 PMDowntown Crossing is a local, officially registered quartet of the Barbershop Harmony Society, known for their energy, charm and tight harmonies. Simply stated, they are “four guys with a passion for entertaining people.” They have performed throughout New England and competed internationally. Favorite barbershop quartet tunes include “Down By The Old Mill Street,” “Down Our Way,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” “My Wild Irish Rose,” “Sweet Adeline,” “Sweet and Lovely” and “You Tell Me Your Dream (I’ll Tell You Mine).” You are sure to hear a handful of these melodious classics!

Broadway Seated Dance with Phyllis RittnerTuesday, June 4, 11, 18 & 25 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!

1919 at 100: A Lecture Series with Gary HylanderProhibitionSunday, June 9 at 2:00 PMAfter years of contention between “drys” and “wets,” the 18th Amendment (Prohibition) became the law of the land. The so-called “Noble Experiment” turned law-abiding citizens into outlaws. Mobsters built a bloody empire on beer and alcohol. New words such as “hit-man,” “speakeasy” and “booze” muscled their way into the vernacular. Unpopular and unenforceable, the 18th Amendment was repealed in 1933.

Ballroom Dancing with Michael WinwardTuesday, June 11 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 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.

Stories of the Spirit from Around The WorldA Discussion Series with Rabbi Natan MargalitWednesday, June 12 at 2:00 PMThe world has many spiritual traditions that have imparted a treasure trove of delightful and enlightening stories. Rabbi Margalit will present stories from a wide variety of faith traditions including Christianity, Judaism,

Monthly Highlights...Summer Lectures

The Great Jazz Songwriters Lecture Serieswith Ross PetotSunday, June 2 at 2:00 PMStarting in the 1920s, music for stage and broadcasting introduced a host of great songwriters to the American public. George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and others began to create the Great American Songbook, establishing a truly American style and sound. This concert series will focus on these great composers and the musical characteristics that make them unique, distinctive, and irresistible for the improvising jazz player.

Verdi Opera Lecture Series with Erika ReitshamerAidaThursday, June 13 at 2:00 PMVerdi’s grandest opera, Aida features great choruses, a famous Triumphal March and abundant pageantry. The story centers around the conflict between an Ethiopian princess enslaved by the Egyptians (Aida), and the Pharoah’s daughter, both of whom are in love with the same Egyptian warrior.

Protest & Public Discourse in America Lecture Serieswith Paolo di GregorioProtest in Middle AmericaTuesday, June 25 at 2:00 PMThe right to protest was so important to the founding fathers that they enshrined it in our Constitution. Over the course of American history, protest movements and public action have sought to create a more equitable and just United States. The right to vocally and publicly express frustrations with social or governmental structures remains vitally important today. In this lecture, Professor di Gregorio the expansion of diversity in America over the last 75 years. From the civil rights and anti-war protests in the 1960s to our current state of political upheaval, popular protest continues to shape and redefine the ideals at the basis of our nation’s existence.

Summer has arrived, and with it the June Trivia Challenge! How much do you know about historical events that occurred this month? Test your knowledge with the trivia challenge and turn your answers in to the Programs Department for a chance to win a prize.

1. On June 5, 1851, Harriet Beecher Stowe published the first installment of her famous anti-slavery novel in an abolitionist newspaper called The National Era. What is the title of this novel?

2. On June 5, 1933, which United States President eliminated the “Gold Standard,” breaking the link between the value of paper money and the value of gold?

3. On June 9, 1650, the first legal corporation in the Americas was established in Cambridge, Massachusetts. What was the name of this corporation?

4. On June 12, 1942, Anne Frank received what gift for her thirteenth birthday?

5. On June 12, 1964, which anti-aparthied activist and ANC leader was sentenced to life in prison for sabotage in South Africa?

6. On June 13, 1927, an estimated four million people gathered in New York City for a ticker-tape parade in celebration of which aviator?

7. On June 20, 1840, who received the patent for the telegraph?

8. On June 26, 1963, which United States President gave his “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech?

The June Trivia Challenge

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9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:15 Food Forum11:30 Lunch Trip: Glass House 2:00 Ballroom Dancing 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: Kate and Leopold 7:15 Movie: The Way

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 12:30 Trip: MFA Frida Kahlo Exhibit 2:00 Memoir Workshop w/ Tom 3:15 Book Review w/ Janet 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: Pirates of Penzance 7:15 Movie: Going My Way

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Tech Corner 2:00 Stories of the Spirit w/ Rabbi Natan Margalit 3:30 Celebrate Father’s Day @ Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: Adam’s Rib 7:15 Movie: Kate and Leopold

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 Forever Fit 3:30 Youville Turns Purple @ Happy Hour 7:00 An Evening of Music w/ Nancy Day

9:30 Yoga10:30 Nurse’s Chat 2:00 Opera Lecture Series w/ Erika Reitshamer 3:30 Summer Sit and Sips: Lemonade 7:00 Movie: The Way 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: Adam’s Rib

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Guided Meditation 2:00 Food Around the World w/ Dan MacRae 3:30 June Jeopardy Trivia 7:00 Movie: Colette 7:15 Movie: Beat the Devil

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Flower Arranging10:15 Shopping Trip: Porter Sq. 2:00 Drumming Circle w/ Soulworks Rhythm 3:30 Outside Games 7:00 Bonus Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Documentary Movie: The Final Year

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Guided Meditation10:15 Shopping Trip: Target 2:00 Hollywood: Wild West to Movie Mecca w/ Anne Barrett 3:30 Brain Busters 7:00 Movie: It Runs in the Family 7:15 Movie: Pirates of Penzance

9:30 Balance Challenge 10:15 Shopping Trip: Whole Foods12:15 Trip: Arnold Arboretum 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Princess Ida 7:15 Movie: Chocolat

2:00 Historical Lecture Series w/ Gary Hylander 7:00 Classic Movie: Funny Face 7:15 Movie: The Cider House Rules

Father’s Day 2:00 Celebrate Father’s Day w/ Pianist MinKyung Oh 7:00 Classic Movie: Going My Way 7:15 Movie: Father’s Day

Catholic Mass Daily at 10:45 AM

PS Salon Wednesday & Friday

9:30 Balance Challenge 10:15 Programs Planning Mtg.12:45 Shopping Trip: Trader Joe’s 2:00 Profiles of Women in History: Elizabeth I w/ Richard Brabander 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Songs by Roy

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9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 2:00 Laughter Yoga w/ Juliet 3:30 Walking Club 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: The Artist 7:15 Movie: Princess Ida

9:30 Balance Challenge 10:15 Wellness Chat w/ Anissa 12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 2:15 Great Courses on DVD: Jesus and His Jewish Influence 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: The Cider House Rules

9:30 Yoga10:15 Craft Connection 2:00 Resident Management Mtg 3:30 Gardening Club 7:00 Movie: Can You Ever Forgive Me? 7:15 Movie: It Runs in the Family

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9:30 Yoga10:15 Craft Connection 2:00 ArtMatters presents... Our Pets 3:30 Gardening Club 7:00 Movie: Beat the Devil 7:15 Willie’s Movie Pick: Key Largo

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Lars and the Real Girl 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Lars and the Real Girl 7:15 Movie: Eleanor and Franklin

29 9:30 Balance Challenge 10:15 Movie Selection Mtg.12:45 Shopping Trip: Star Market 2:15 Great Courses on DVD: Jesus and His Jewish Influences 3:15 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: The African Queen 7:15 Movie: An Affair to Remember

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Harold and Maude 2:00 Caring Canines 3:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Harold and Maude 7:15 Movie: Colette

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Opera: Samson et Dalila 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Father’s Day 7:15 Movie: The Final Year

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Can You Ever Forgive Me? 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Downtown Crossing Barbershop Quartet

June 2019

RosaryTuesday at 4:00 PM

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Transportation HoursMonday - Friday

8:00 AM- 2:00 PM

2:00 The Great Songwriters Jazz Lecture Series w/ Ross Petot 3:15 Short Stories w/ Tenny7:00 Classic Movie: Chocolat7:15 Movie: Lars and the Real Girl

2:00 Matinee Movie: Mary Poppins 3:15 Short Stories w/ Tenny 7:00 Classic Movie: An Affair...

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 2:00 History Lecture Series w/ Paolo Di Gregorio 3:30 Walking Club 4:00 Rosary 7:00 Movie: The Usual Suspects 7:15 Movie: Book Club

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging 2:00 Forever Fit 3:30 Belmont Stakes Happy Hour 7:00 Willie’s Movie Pick: Key Largo 7:15 Movie: The Artist

Dance with Parkinson’sThursday, June 6, 13, 20 & 27

at 10:30 AMParkinson’s Support Group

Thursday, June 13 at 3:00 PM

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Guided Meditation10:15 Shopping Trip: Porter Sq. 2:00 Acrylic Painting Class w/ Eddie Bruckner 3:30 Outside Games 7:00 Bonus Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Music Instinct: Science & Song

9:30 Yoga10:15 Craft Connection 2:00 ArtMatters presents... Portraits in Art 3:30 Summer Sit and Sips: Spritzers 7:00 Movie: Julia 7:15 Movie: Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing...

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Flower Arranging12:15 Trip: Charles River Boat Tour 3:30 Remember When... Happy Hour 7:00 Movie: Book Club 7:15 Movie: The Usual Suspects

2:00 Matinee Opera: The Pearl Fishers 7:00 Classic Movie: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang7:15 Movie: Music Instinct...

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Stretch & Flex 2:00 Matinee Movie: Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing... 2:00 Bingo w/ Carol 7:00 Movie: Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing... 7:15 Movie: Julia

Introduction to Laughter Yogawith Juliet PellicaneTuesday, June 4 at 2:00 PMSpontaneous laughter is known to promote cardiovascular health, social bonding, stress reduction and mental wellness. Laughter Yoga involves a combination of physical movements and coordinated, voluntary laughter. Studies have shown that Laughter Yoga produces the same positive results that spontaneous laughter provides.

Profiles of Women in History with Dr. Richard BrabanderElizabeth I (1533-1603)Monday, June 17 at 2:00 PMElizabeth I remains one of the most famous queens of all history. Reluctant to endanger her authority through marriage, she was known as the “Virgin Queen.” Her long reign coincided with the flowering of the English Renaissance and the English Reformation. By her death in 1603, England had become a major world power and Queen Elizabeth I passed into history as one of England’s greatest monarchs.

ArtMatters Presents . . . Portraits in Art Thursday, June 27 at 2:00 PMA great portrait can convey a stunning range of emotional and historical information. Portraits can tell private stories, reveal historical conditions and even provide subversive social commentary. In this presentation, we will admire portraiture from the Renaissance through the Postmodern era.

Acrylic Painting with Eddie BrucknerFriday, June 28 at 2:00 PMThis 1.5 hour class will guide participants through a traditional landscape painting. Working with acrylic paints, instructor Eddie Bruckner will demonstrate different techniques during hands-on painting such as the preparation of materials, color mixing and specific brush techniques.

Do you ever feel as though the world of modern technology has left you behind? If so, you might be interested in hearing about a series of short videos that have recently become popular on the internet. These videos all share the same premise: one or two middle-aged parents films one or two teenage children as they attempt to make a call on a rotary dial phone. In these videos, the tables are turned. It is the teenagers, those modern tech savants who seem to know how to make everything work, who become utterly incapable of making a simple telephone call. In one video, a teenager spends at least two minutes before being told he must actually pick up the receiver before his dialing has any effect. Another teenager, upon listening to the receiver, remarks that “there is a whirring noise,” evidently his first experience of a dial tone.

In addition to making you feel better about your own challenging experiences with modern technology, these internet videos illustrate an important truth about technology: it is as unique to our life experience as the era in which we grew up, the people we have encountered and the culture we have internalized.

Grow as a Person Opportunities this Month

Whole FoodsMonday, June 3Time: 10:15 AM Return: 11:30 AM

Star MarketMonday, June 10 & 24Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PM

Trader Joe’sMonday, June 17Time: 12:45 PM Return: 2:00 PM

Porter SquareFriday, June 14 & 28Time: 10:15 AM Return: 12:00 PM

TargetFriday, June 21Time: 10:15 AM Return: 12:00 PM

Shopping Trips

For The Technologically Frustrated

This Summer, Stay HydratedIt is an unfortunate truth: the older we are, the more prone we become to dehydration. In addition, the effects of dehydration are more severe for older adults. This summer it’s important to be especially aware of the risk factors for dehydration, the tell-tale symptoms, and (most importantly) ways to stay hydrated.

Why Older Adults Are More At RiskAs our muscle mass decreases with age, the balance of water in our bodies decreases. At the same time, aging kidneys lose their precision when it comes to regulating the body’s internal balance of fluids, causing us to lose more water than we ought to. Elderly people often can’t tell when they’re dehydrated. The sense of thirst, one of our built-in protections, becomes less pronounced, making dehydration more likely to occur. On average, men need six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, and women tend to need around five 8-ounce glasses a day. Everyone has different needs depending on their age and filtration system.

The symptoms of dehydration can lead to serious health complications. For example, dizziness, a common symptom, increases the risk of falling. Simply drinking enough water could save you from a fracture, a broken bone or other serious, fall-related injuries. Long-term or chronic dehydration has been linked to coronary artery disease and some forms of cancer, including bladder cancer for men. It can also cause cognitive problems similar to dementia, including problems concentrating and short-term memory loss.

Warm weather causes us to lose fluids more rapidly through perspiration. The single most important way to prevent dehydration is to replenish those fluids by drinking water, even if you’re not feeling thirsty. If you drink alcohol and/or caffeine, you will need to drink even more water to offset the diuretic effects. For each cup of coffee, wine or beer, be sure to add another glass of water to your daily quota.

And now, it’s time to reward yourself for making it through this article! How about a nice, cold glass of water? Enjoy!

Glass HouseTuesday, June 11Depart: 11:30 AMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: $ for lunch Enjoy lunch at Glass House, a restaurant, bar and modern day “meeting house” with delicious food and an award-winning architectural design. Combining old and new, the Glass House building pays homage to the storied glass-making history of Kendall Square and its current status as a world leader in technological innovation.

Museum of Fine ArtsFrida Kahlo ExhibitTuesday, June 18Depart: 12:30 PMReturn: 3:30 PM Cost: $23.00Frida Kahlo was an avid collector of traditional Mexican folk art, known as arte popular. Objects such as decorated ceramics, embroidered textiles, children’s toys and devotional retablo paintings inspired her as a painter and influenced the visual landscape of her work. Following the recent acquisition of Dos Mujeres (Salvadora y Herminia) (1928), this is the first exhibition of Kahlo’s work at the Museum of Fine Arts. A selection of iconic paintings, including numerous works on loan from other museums, is exhibited along with representative examples of arte popular. This exhibition brings Kahlo’s evolution as a painter to light while providing fresh insight into the relationship between anonymous folk artists and famed, modern painters.

Charles River Boat TourWednesday, June 26Depart: 12:15 PMReturn: 3:30 PM Cost: $17.00 We will embark on a 70-minute sightseeing cruise along the Charles River! The captain and crew will provide historical information about the many compelling sights of along the Charles riverbank. Sights include Beacon Hill, Esplanade Park, Back Bay, Boston University, M.I.T., Harvard and a swarm of sailboats and rowers.

Community Outings

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June Meetings

Nurse’s Chatw/ Director of Wellness, Lydia KirundaThursday, June 13 at 10:30 AM

Food Forum w/ Director of Dining Services, Dan MacRaeTuesday, June 11 at 10:15 AM

Resident Management Meetingw/ Youville DirectorsThursday, June 20 at 2:00 PM

Programs Planning Meetingw/ Lead Programs Assistant, Juliet PellicaneMonday, June 17 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 Burgos Director of 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.

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Not long ago, the idea of living with a robot companion was the stuff of science fiction. Thanks to popular films, television shows and novels, we could entertain the fanciful notion of machines that not only performed complicated tasks, but also had the ability to converse, empathize and befriend human beings. In our current age of advanced technology, how close are we to realizing this ideal of a robot companion? The answer is, we have a way to go! However, serious research into social robots is well under way. Rather than providing companionship to futuristic space explorers, these social robots are being designed to interact with ordinary people. You may be surprised to learn that older adults are a prominent demographic for this research.

Anastasia Ostrowski is a design researcher with the Personal Robots Group at MIT Media Lab, where she has been working with principal investigators Dr. Hae Won Park and Professor Cynthia Breazeal to understand how older adults relate to social robots. A central figure in their studies is “Jibo,” an 11-inch tall robot with a smooth white circular head that can swivel to face his companions. Jibo’s “face” is a screen that, in addition to following human movement, can show movies, play music, ask whether the user had a good night’s sleep and suggest playing a variety of cognitive and physical games. Most recently, Jibo was given the ability to connect users to family or friends through video chats.

If you own a “smart speaker” like Amazon Alexa, you may be asking yourself “how is Jibo any different?” According to Ostrowski, “Amazon Alexa and Google Home do very transactional tasks – you ask them for something and they will provide it in an assistant-like way. A social robot uses more social cues, turning toward you when you talk or proactively starting a dialogue when you walk into the room. It also conducts transactional tasks, but delivers them using the aforementioned social features. It has the potential to do a lot more using these social capabilities, and our research is interested in exploring these possibilities.”

Ostrowski began working with residents of Youville House a few years ago, using design tools to better understand how they felt about their interactions with Jibo. Her study focused on six “categories of interaction” in which residents engaged with Jibo and offered feedback about their experience. These categories were arranged on a spectrum: at one end, the interactions were purely transactional, such as daily reminders or prompts to take medication. At the other end of the spectrum, the interactions became more social, such as Jibo asking a user “How are you feeling today?” The categories of interaction included:

June 2019Our Mutual Friend - The Age of Social Robots

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Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©

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Assisted Living Residences

• Reminders: Jibo might remind the user to make a grocery list, attend a scheduled doctor’s appointment, take daily pills, wish a loved one happy birthday, etc.

• Information: Jibo might share the latest breaking news, weather, updates on family members, etc.

• Suggestions: Jibo might suggest that the user engage in various activities like reading a book, giving a friend a call, having a glass of water, getting some exercise or taking a nap.

• Sharing: Jibo might share a joke, a song, a story or a “thank you.”

• Facilitating Connections: Jibo might connect the user to other humans through phone calls, social media sharing, video chats or messages.

The MIT team surveyed a broad range of older adults, including residents at Youville, as well as a large number of children and middle-aged adults. Of all the groups surveyed, older adults turned out to be the most receptive group to Jibo’s social interactions.

According to Ostrowski, “The study demonstrates that there is great potential for social robots to support older adults in many different aspects.”

Most recently, her team began working with Youville resident Natalie Ryan in a “co-design study” meant to explore social robots’ relational abilities in greater detail. Over the course of a year, Natalie and other participants will provide input on how they would like to design interactions with social robots like Jibo.

“This process hones in on what the user wants the robot to do, how it converses, what kind of gesture it makes,” says Ostrowski. “It allows us to understand how they want the interaction to play out.”

In time, the Personal Robots Group at MIT hopes to better understand the social needs of older adults, as well as the ways in which social robots can specifically meet those needs. Perhaps in a decade or two, Jibo will be capable of engaging us in lengthy conversations about the meaning of life. In the meantime, the development of social robots continues to provide new and surprising insights into what it means to be human.

Balance Challenge Broadway Seated Dance Stretch & Flex Ballroom Dancing

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 Great Courses on DVD: The Dead Sea Scrolls Verdi Opera Lecture Series w/ Erika Reitshamer Profiles of Women in History w/ Dr. Richard Brabander American History: “1919 @ 100” w/ Gary Hylander

ArtMatters Presents . . . Portraits in Art An Evening of Music w/ Nancy Day Celebrate Father’s Day w/ Pianist MinKyung Oh

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©