Dear Friend,

That laughter is good medicine is a proverbial statement substantiated by research. Laughter relaxes the body and relieves tension. It boosts the immune system and triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. It improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect against a heart attack or other cardiovascular problems. A hearty laugh enhances levels of dopamine, which is commonly associated with the brain’s pleasure system. Laughter exercises the abdominal muscles and helps improve muscle tone. It is an aerobic workout suitable for everyone, including those confined to bed or a wheelchair.

If you walk past the Jewish Home’s cultural center on two Tuesday evening’s a month, you are bound to hear a lot of laughter, because that is when the Esther Weintraub Comedy Clinic is in session. I am not sure if these resident participants are focusing on the health aspects of laughter, but I do know they are enjoying the social and mental benefits derived from this improv and performance art workshop with games that exercise their intellect and stimulate creativity, help them retain their cognitive abilities, and enhance their memory retention. The clinic is also a forum for coping with the aging process, as they good humoredly share similar predicaments and the tenors of this stage of life. Indeed, they seem to have no problem admitting when the joke is on them as they laugh their heads off.

The comedy clinic came into being in 2003 through the actions of comedian Lisa Geduldig, the well known producer of Kung Pao Kosher Comedy and Funny Girlz, the all-women stand-up comedy show. Lisa named it for Jewish Home resident Esther Weintraub (herself a lifelong comedian and performer), who died at the Home in 2005 at age 89, and with whom Lisa established a particularly strong bond. Their friendship inspired Lisa to create Esther & Me, a cinematic tribute to Esther that was lauded at its debut at the 2010 Jewish Film Festival Berlin, followed by screenings in San Francisco, at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, and at the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival.

Lisa also honored Esther’s memory by sponsoring a number of initial sessions of the comedy clinic. (Despite being an accomplished comedian, Lisa understands that keeping a nonprofit organization such as the Jewish Home running at its level of excellence is, in reality, no laughing matter.) We are also fortunate that we have been able to secure funding in the past to support the costs associated with the clinic and the clinic’s instructor.

The comedy clinic is but one of the many innovative and creative programs that engage the residents we are privileged to serve. And for the elderly, whose senior years are often characterized by declining health and compromised functionality, how valuable it is to be engaged through the building of community spirit, an appreciation of one another’s talents, and opportunities to share the gift of laughter.

Daniel Ruth
President & Chief Executive Officer

Everyone is forgetful, but as we age, we may start to feel as though our brains are slowing down a bit. Research shows there is a lot we can do to avoid those “senior moments.” Read on for five practices worth trying.

1. Take a break
The brain remembers better when it is relaxed, say researchers at the California Institute of Technology, so take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply or meditate. “The positive of meditation is you have focused concentration and relaxation taking place at the same time,” says Elizabeth Edgerly, Ph.D., spokesperson for the Alzheimer's Association. “Researchers believe those things are good because they’re developing new connections for your brain cells.”

2. Focus on the future
People who regularly made plans and looked forward to upcoming events had a 50 percent reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study. These do not have to be life-changing happenings; simply setting a goal to have a weekly coffee date with a friend (and keeping it) will do. “Psychologically it keeps us motivated,” Dr. Edgerly says. “There's evidence that people who have a purpose in life or who are working on long- or short-term goals appear to do better.” In other words, we should keep our brains looking forward.

3. Go for a stimulating stroll
Mildly elevated glucose levels can harm the area of the brain that helps us form memories, say Columbia University researchers. Experts agree that physical activity can help get blood glucose down to normal levels. In fact, the strongest evidence is regarding the effect of physical activity on the brain. “When you exercise, you release chemicals that are good for your brain,” says Dr. Edgerly. “It's like a mini fountain of youth in your brain, and the only way you can get it is exercise.”

4. Snack on berries
Blueberries have compounds called anthocyanins that help communication between brain cells and appear to improve memory, says Robert Krikorian, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati. In general, Dr. Edgerly says the darker the fruit or vegetable, the better. She adds, “It's a healthy, well-rounded diet, especially one that mimics a Mediterranean diet, and that's fish, lots of fruits and vegetables, and red wine. Most everyone likes the red wine part!”

5. Learn something new
Take a foreign-language class online, join a knitting club or book club, or learn ballroom dancing. A UC Irvine study found that mental stimulation limits the debilitating effects of aging on memory and the mind. But the best thing for your brain, Dr. Edgerly states, is when you combine learning something new with physical activity. “It could be something like dancing or coaching a sport. Or learning to play golf with your girlfriends. That sort of thing is even better for your brain than, say, a crossword puzzle.”

Ben Lubitz has gone through a lot in his 95 years of life, but he has also put a great deal into it – including his almost eight years of residency at the Jewish Home. Read about this talented, warm-hearted man, who contends that “God gave me years and I live by that.” Read More