Inspire, a publication for Hebrew SeniorLife supporters

WINTER 2021

inspire A publication for Hebrew SeniorLife supporters

Beyond Lifespan, a Healthy Brain Helps Extend Healthspan

Sam, an active NewBridge on the Charles resident, lives life to the fullest.

WELCOME

inspire

If you’re anything like me, you’re seeking out certainty and normalcy during these uncertain times. One constant that brings me and all of the seniors we serve great confidence? You. Your ongoing support, your willingness to volunteer, and all your kind words are so critical during this time. You, our donors, are continuing to propel Hebrew SeniorLife forward in spite of enormous challenges.

Inspire is published by Hebrew SeniorLife.

Katelyn Quynn Chief Development Officer and Vice President, Board Relations KatelynQuynn@hsl.harvard.edu

In this issue of Inspire, you’ll meet Dr. Alvaro PascualLeone, whose vision for centralizing brain health as a key to our total well-being is shaping our work at Hebrew SeniorLife. If you joined us for our reimagined EngAGE event on November 16, you heard the incredible news that long-time supporters Deanna and Sidney Wolk recently made a gift to name the Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health at Hebrew SeniorLife, which Dr. Pascual-Leone leads as medical director.

617.363.8295 Stacey Weinbaum Executive Director, Board Relations Weinbaum@hsl.harvard.edu 617.971.5790 Teresa V. Lisek Director of Development TeresaVLisek@hsl.harvard.edu 617.971.5788 Laura Katz Leacu Director, Institutional Giving LauraKatzLeacu@hsl.harvard.edu 617.971.5785 Marsha Katz Slotnick Senior Major Gifts Officer MSlotnick@hsl.harvard.edu 617.971.5784 Helaine Silverman Major Gifts Officer HelaineSilverman@hsl.harvard.edu 617.971.5776

"Thanks to you, our Age of Opportunity campaign continues to gain momentum, despite the pandemic."

Deb Mayerson Major Gifts Officer DeborahMayerson@hsl.harvard.edu

The Wolks’ leadership gift, along with gifts from other generous and visionary donors, demonstrates the continued momentum of our Age of Opportunity campaign. The pandemic has laid bare the vulnerability of our aging population and the urgent need to invest in new ways of caring for seniors. In partnership with our donors, we will address the urgent challenges of aging in the 21st century — near and far, now and for future generations.

Because of you, I remain hopeful for a better 2021. I know that together, we will accomplish even more to help seniors live the healthiest and best lives possible.

617.971.5777 Amanda Leberman Assistant Director, Annual Giving

Katelyn Quynn Chief Development Officer and Vice President, Board Relations

AmandaLeberman@hsl.harvard.edu 617.971.5792

Editor: Jeanne Seltzer Writers:

Thank You for Your Support!

Jennifer Davis, Cindy Freeman Jeanne Seltzer Photography: Patrick O'Connor (Cover Photo) Steve Nelson/Fayfoto Boston Art Direction and Layout: Jennifer Davis

©2021

This year has been a particularly challenging one for all of us. We just want to thank you, our donors, for contributing more than $4.5 million to our COVID-19 relief efforts, which continue to help us fight the virus and engage our residents and patients in a safe way. Together, we will get through this.

Thank you!

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REINVENTING HOW WE AGE

HSL Chairman's Cabinet members Larry Langsam and Honey Langsam, Robert Shatten, and HSL Trustee Jessica Langsam

A Multigenerational Example of Giving Langsam family exemplifies mission of “honoring our elders.”

Every Sunday, the Berger family gathered at Max and Jenny Berger’s home in Sharon. Grandpa Max, an immigrant from Lithuania, served as an inspiring example of compassion and generosity through his service at the temple and his involvement helping the elderly. His son, Milton Berger, inspired by Max’s devotion to his family and community, spearheaded the effort to raise funds to expand Hebrew SeniorLife’s current headquarters at 1200 Centre Street in Roslindale in 1973. One of the buildings on campus is named in his honor.

"Honor your father and mother."

“Through those times, the family was instilled with a sense of love and respect, which continues to help people to this day,” says Honey Langsam, Milton’s daughter.

“Even though our family is dispersed throughout the country, we all honor the example our parents exhibited for us,” says Honey.

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“Honor your father and mother,” affirms Honey’s husband, Larry. “Milton’s activity at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center made it real to me. We were convinced, not only by his words, but by his actions.

We felt strongly about supporting him and his work,” he adds.

Honey and Larry are members of HSL's Chairman's Cabinet. They have also been dedicated, longtime supporters of the organization. The lobby at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston and several outdoor areas on the Boston and NewBridge on the Charles campuses have been named in their honor.

Although the Langsams admire many specific aspects of Hebrew SeniorLife’s work, such as the clinical research being conducted by the organization’s Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, they choose to support Hebrew SeniorLife’s annual fund. They feel that this gives leadership flexibility to use their gifts in a way that maximizes the impact and pushes the organization’s strategic plans forward. The Langsams’ three daughters, Wendy, Jessica, and Marla, support Hebrew SeniorLife as a tribute to their parents. Jessica, who lives in Concord and serves as an Assistant District Attorney for Middlesex County, has been a Trustee since 2011, and volunteers with her husband, Bob, helping with events and community programs.

"A vision and guiding principle of Hebrew SeniorLife, and my own, is a desire to empower each one of us to define what we would like our extended life to be and to be able to realize that aspiration. In order to do that the number one target of healthspan is brain health." —Alvaro Pascual-Leone, M.D., Ph.D. Medical Director Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health Senior Scientist Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research

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DISCOVERING HOW TO LIVE LONGER HEALTHY AND HAPPY LIVES

Brain Health is Key to Expanding Healthspan Hebrew SeniorLife’s unique ecosytem holds promise to aid in discovery of treatments that optimize quality of life for adults living with chronic conditions, including cognitive decline.

A Vision for the Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health

Consider this stunning statistic. For the first time in history, there are more adults living in the world than children. And thanks to advances in medicine and public health we can expect to live longer than ever before. Dr. Alvaro Pascual-Leone, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for the Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health and senior scientist in the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, embraces this as wonderful news.

As medical director of the Wolk Center for Memory Health, Dr. Pascual-Leone lays out a three-pronged set of priorities to extend healthspan for patients living with dementia. First is to promote brain health and cognitive well-being through outreach and educational efforts; second is to help individuals cope with the stress of disease and minimize disability; and third is to improve diagnostic capabilities, and develop novel interventions that help patients maintain function necessary to reach individualized health and quality-of-life goals.

“With age comes experience, wisdom, and the possibility of actually benefiting humankind in a meaningful way,” says Dr. Pascual-Leone.

However, he tempers his optimism with this observation.

“Unfortunately, the extension of lifespan is not in sync with what we call healthspan. Some people live longer, but struggle in their longer lives.”

Dr. Pascual-Leone believes HSL is positioned to support this vision.

“The Wolk Center for Memory Health sits in the intersection of HSL’s great expertise in care of older adults and aging research and offers a unique ecosystem for advancing brain health,” he says.

Brain Health is Key

In fact, he cares for patients who are also enrolled in his Marcus Institute studies, which allow him to observe in real time how they benefit from new treatments being evaluated.

Evidence points to a healthy brain as the linchpin to overall health.

This reflects the salutogenetic approach to medicine. Salutogenesis is a medical model that describes how the relationship between health, stress, and resilience (or coping) impacts the development and progression of disease. Research shows that with a healthy brain you have better control over chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and pain, as well as reducing risk for diseases that range from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

As much as this relationship between research and clinical care helps those fortunate enough to land in Dr. Pascual-Leone’s care, it reveals why philanthropic support is needed.

“Once a study ends, you can no longer continue the treatment that the study has found to work,” explains Dr. Pascual-Leone. “So how do we continue to support patients who would benefit from continued treatment? We rely on philanthropic support to develop early treatments and expand further research.”

According to Dr. Pascual-Leone, medicine has done a great job to promote health from the neck down. “We check our hearts, gut, and joints on a regular basis, which is important, but we don’t include a brain check. If we evaluated brain function regularly, we would greatly reduce the risk of brain disease and disability that comes with it,” says Dr. Pascual-Leone.

He goes on to say, “One of the important things that we've learned about dementias and all neurogenetic diseases is the disease is present for decades before symptoms develop. By then, symptoms are no longer truly the manifestation of the disease, but rather of how the brain has coped with it. That’s why it is so incredibly important to detect these diseases early.”

Through research and clinical care, Dr. Alvaro Pascual-Leone is working to help older adults live happy healthy lives by promoting brain health.

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GIVING ACKNOWLEDGES CARE THAT GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND

NewBridge Multifaith Chapel Named in Memory of Robert Beal

They often called him “Mr. Boston” for his remarkable dedication to his community.

So, when real estate developer Bob Beal was diagnosed with ALS, his brother, Bruce, made sure he would receive the best of care at Hebrew SeniorLife, an organization Bob had supported throughout his life.

"The NewBridge staff always maintained Bob’s dignity. As he physically diminished, he never changed."

Bob went first to Hebrew Rehabilitation Center on the NewBridge campus after surgery, then moved to an assisted living apartment at NewBridge. Staff did everything possible to support Bruce in making this new space feel like a home for Bob. They brought furniture from Bob’s Beacon Hill home and filled the closets with his suits and ties, which Bob continued to wear each day. NewBridge dining staff facilitated Bob having wine with his dinner and concocted non-alcoholic mimosas to accompany special meals.

“When Bob was diagnosed in 2017, the first thing I did was call Lou Woolf,” recalls Bruce. “As my brother, business partner, and friend, Bob deserved the best I could give him. NewBridge on the Charles was fabulous. I can’t tell you how much easier NewBridge made life for him, and for our family.”

“Nobody told him, ‘You don’t need to dress up.’ It was those little things that meant so much to me. The NewBridge staff always maintained Bob’s dignity. As he physically diminished, he never changed.”

Bruce also appreciated the willingness of the NewBridge staff to support the family’s high level of involvement with Bob. “We were very involved, and my son lived in Boston during Bob’s illness,” says Bruce. “We were able to provide a continuity to his life so the last few years weren’t as difficult as they could have been.”

Bruce and Bob Beal

When Bob passed away in February 2020, Bruce made a gift of $1 million to Hebrew SeniorLife, naming the multifaith chapel at NewBridge in Bob’s honor.

“I gave to Hebrew SeniorLife because they were so wonderful to my brother,” says Bruce. “I strongly believe that the community should back Hebrew SeniorLife in any way possible. My brother was committed to Hebrew SeniorLife. This gift is a continuation of that appreciation.”

"Our Family Will Never Forget Your Kindness."

Often the most inspiring testaments to the extraordinary care provided by Hebrew SeniorLife’s employees come from grateful families. Their appreciation is particularly poignant during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed caregivers at considerable risk. Our caregivers' commitment to patient care is all the more remarkable during this difficult time.

Caregivers bring comfort not only to their patients, but also to their families.

One family in particular was moved recently to reach out to thank those who provided care to their loved one who died of the virus. Rabbi Caryn Broitman wrote the following note of thanks to staff on behalf of her family: “Please know that our family will never forget your kindness, compassion, and devotion to my father and all who were sick and under your care. You took care of the most vulnerable, and your care was a great comfort to us as well as to our father. We appreciated not only your great skill and professionalism, but also the way you did your work with heartfelt caring beyond the call of duty. I pray for good health for you and your families, and may your work be blessed in every way.

Nurse Thais, thank you so much for noticing that my father was close to his last breath, so he would not be alone. As you can imagine, this was a great comfort to us, and we thank you. God bless you.”

Hebrew SeniorLife wishes to thank Rabbi Caryn Broitman and family for their words of appreciation as well as their gift to support our Nursing and Expressive Therapy Departments.

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GIVING TO WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU

Gratitude Inspires Generosity Life at Center Communities of Brookline inspires Frank McNulty to support others through philanthropy and advocacy.

Frank McNulty’s move to Center Communities of Brookline’s Marilyn and André Danesh Family Residences in 2018 has been nothing short of transformative, motivating him to support Hebrew SeniorLife through a charitable bequest and funding for CCB activities.

Frank McNulty

"I’d like to counsel older adults on the benefits of living in a senior living community."

A native of Dorchester, Frank spent his professional life on the west coast until the loss of two partners in as many years brought him back east to be near family. He is legally blind and wanted to settle down in a senior-friendly community.

CCB fit the bill on so many levels. It’s in the heart of Coolidge Corner, ranked as one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the country, with close proximity to stores and public transportation, and provides comprehensive supportive services.

But it’s his CCB neighbors who have made such a difference in his life.

“Being here has helped me develop personally,” says Frank. “It's given me a new perspective. My neighbors are interesting, accomplished, and inspiring, and yet I see many of them struggling through no fault of their own.”

Frank has found new purpose in life.

“I want to get more involved with senior issues, particularly quality of life issues. And I've chosen to give to HSL because I just love the organization,” says Frank. “I've never been passionate about anything in my life. But when I see a community that is all inclusive for everybody, that’s awe-inspiring to me.

It's wonderful that people at all income levels can live in the heart of Coolidge Corner.”

“It's a nice feeling having a medical doctor downstairs and knowing that if I need more services down the line, they'll be there.” says Frank.

In the Community Because of you, our events continue to raise money to help seniors live their best lives with innovative, person-centered communities and services.

A reimagined EngAGE 2020, held on November 16, raised $1.2 million. More than 400 guests attended virtually and enjoyed performances by renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and one of Broadway’s greatest leading ladies, Tony Award Winner Kelli O’Hara. Governor Charlie Baker spoke about Hebrew SeniorLife’s role in leading the state in setting infection-control standards for senior care during the pandemic. Alvaro Pascual-Leone, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of the Wolk Center for Memory Health, spoke about brain health and its relationship to preventing cognitive decline as we age. Attendees also heard words of wisdom from our residents and heartfelt stories from our dedicated staff.

Our annual golf tournament earlier this fall, followed new guidelines for safe play with masks and scheduled tee times to allow for social distancing. Held at the Belmont Country Club, the event successfully raised funds to support COVID-19 relief, helping to keep seniors safe as we continue to navigate the pandemic.

Pictured left to right are Lori Sidman, Toni Gordon, Laura Olton, and Mira Genser Woods.

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YOUR SUPPORT MOVES US FOR WARD

Addressing Racial Justice and Equality

Racial Justice and Equity Action Group so everyone can voice what they are feeling in a safe way. It’s really about knowledge-building. As we listen to each other at the book club discussing relevant books like 'Between the World and Me' by Ta-Nehisi Coates, we all learn something, and that leads to better understanding.”

Employee-led group is focused on listening, learning, and taking action.

A major effort of the group is a listening tour across all campuses, so Djenny Lobo Lopes employees can share their experiences Director of Nursing with leadership and each other.

Hebrew Rehabilitation Other initiatives underway include Center free English as a Second Language classes for employees; the book club, which highlights the Black experience in America, systemic racism, and anti-racism, through books and other media; and ensuring all employees have the information they need to register and vote.

Hebrew SeniorLife was founded more than a century ago to care for Boston’s then-underserved Jewish seniors, and to this day we take special responsibility for the more vulnerable and disenfranchised members of our community. We extend that commitment by helping to advance the appreciation of and respect for people of all skin colors, backgrounds, and identities, and working for greater social justice in our society.

When the country erupted in protests this spring over the treatment of Black and brown people in America, it came at a time when emotions were already raw among Hebrew SeniorLife employees who were fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. As an organization with a highly diverse employee base, Hebrew SeniorLife was already working internally on issues of racial equality, but feedback from staff led to the formation of a new Racial Justice and Equity Action Group.

“A lot of people, including myself, were suffering in silence when the George Floyd killing happened and protests began,” says Djenny Lobo Lopes, director of nursing for the Medically Complex Unit at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center and co-leader of the group. “We formed the

"A lot of people were suffering in silence when the George Floyd killing happened."

Be remembered for your generosity Leave a charitable bequest to Hebrew SeniorLife in your will … and you create a personal legacy that will help older adults live with independence, dignity, and joy, and ultimately, ensure a bright future for all of us as we age.

For more information on bequests or other giving opportunities, contact Teresa V. Lisek at 617.971.5788 or TeresaVLisek@hsl.harvard.edu.

hebrewseniorlife.org/estate

1200 Centre Street Boston, MA 02131

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www.hebrewseniorlife.org 617.363.8000