Community Partner

Juniper Village at Brookline was pleased to host Penn State's Center for Healthy Aging as they presented their Aging Lecture Series discussion on bone health held on April 20, 2017. Over forty community members, residents, and family members gathered to listen to Mary Jane DeSouza, professor of kinesiology at Penn State, discuss the science behind strong bones and how to maintain long-term bone health. Attendees were given tips on keeping bones healthy and strong through exercise, supplements, and good old-fashioned sunshine (Vitamin D). Professor DeSouza shared information on her current research study in which dried plums are being used at varying quantities each day as a natural supplement to support bone health. Although this is a four-year study, she shared that the initial findings are very promising.

Juniper Village is proud to serve as a gathering location for community events, such as the Healthy Aging Lecture Series, that highlight current research studies and up-to-date resources offered through Penn State and the State College community.  Juniper Village has opened its doors for numerous community partners such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Centre County Senior Center Coalition, Geriatric Interest Network, Chamber of Business and Industry in Centre County, Centre County Orchestra, American Red Cross, FUSE Productions, Penn State Hershey, and many other community organizations. For information on upcoming community events at Juniper Village at Brookline, please visit www.junipercommunities.com or 'Like' us on Facebook.

When a Box is Not Just a Box

Residents at Juniper Village at Brookline Senior Living spent an afternoon filling colorful boxes for a locally founded organization. The Jared Box Project was established by a local elementary school to remember and honor a former classmate named Jared, who passed away in the year 2000. At the age of five, Jared was diagnosed with an incurable brainstem tumor, during his many trips to doctors' appointments he took toys and games along to occupy his time, oftentimes sharing these treasures with other children in the waiting areas. His classmates created the Jared Box Project to provide boxes full of toys and games to sick children as a way of spreading good cheer and well wishes. Since the project began in 2001, over 200,000 boxes have been given away.

The residents at Juniper Village at Brookline completed 12 boxes, filled with an assortment of items including coloring books, stickers, play-doh, silly putty, and friendship bracelets. All boxes made were for the 4 to 8-year-old age group of boys and girls. A representative from The Jared Box Project picked up the donations and will distribute the boxes to local children in need. "It's important for our residents to stay connected to the community by offering their time to helping others. Our residents helped make a difference in children's lives without even leaving the building." say Jill McKenrick, Connections Director. Connections programs like this are one way in which residents continue to support the local community.

For more information on the Jared Box Project and how you can create your own, please visit www.thejaredbox.com.

Poems from Life

Our partners from the PA Center for the Book shared this message with me from their director. If other Juniper communities are considering doing a similar project, I think a strong community partner is key:

Congratulations, that was a remarkable program!  It brought together so many of the tangents of the PA Center for the Book--how could we not have co-sponsored it?  I was moved at each poem which perfectly married literature with story,  and in this case, the story of some very interesting older people.

And that is the brilliant part of the project, as these poets turned their ordinary lives into extraordinary words--all of these ordinary people lived extraordinary lives.  We all do live unique lives and your poetry shared those ultimately transcendent experiences beyond the walls of their rooms or houses or memories.

I was quite moved, as was the entire audience.

April 2017 Events in State College, PA: Believe in Yourself

Each April we begin our Healthy Aging Series with a focus on brain health, and encourage you to Believe in Yourself. We know that believing in yourself has a positive effect on your mental health, but did you know that self-confidence influences your physical health as well? Recent studies show people who exhibit self-confidence are generally healthier and tend to live longer. That's because confidence is a positive emotion and positive emotions have countless health benefits for your mind, body and spirit. In nurturing wellbeing by encouraging an active body, an engaged mind and a fulfilled spirit, Juniper is also building self-confidence. The link between health and confidence also may be related to the ability of positive emotions to boost our brain's power to hold attention, be aware and remember things. We are better able to learn, build new skills and relate with others when we are feeling optimistic. Also confident people are better able to handle chaotic situations in a positive manner. This helps to reduce or avoid excessive stress, high blood pressure, anger, confusion – all the negative side effects of feeling powerless, overwhelmed and out of control.

If you need to kick start your confidence, here are a few things to try: smile; count your blessings; surround yourself with confident people; learn how others have found their confidence and follow their lead; challenge negative or inaccurate thinking and replace with accurate, constructive thoughts; and encourage yourself. You can also plan to join us this month for uplifting discussions and a focus on brain health with offerings such as Daily Brain Builders, Wii games, and a Brain Healthy Luncheon.

Our fabulous April 2017 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Senior Living include our:

§  “Poems From Life” An Evening of Original Poetry Inspired by Real-Life Events because each of us has our own unique story to tell, so in collaboration with local poets, we will bring to life the amazing, inspiring, thought-provoking, and heartwarming stories of some of the incredible individuals who live in our Juniper Village at Brookline community, then please stay for refreshments and an opportunity to meet the faces behind the stories as Juniper Village is proud to partner with the PA Center for the Book and Penn State Libraries for this very special event on April 11th at 6:30 pm. (No Reservations Required.)

§  Healthy Aging Lecture Series Healthy Bones for Life as Juniper Village is proud to partner with the Penn State Center for Healthy Aging to present Mary Jane De Souza, professor in the department of kinesiology because there’s plenty of science detailing what we can do to make sure our bones stay healthy and strong, so learn about threats to bone health and how to build your lifestyle for long-term benefits on April 20th from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. (Reservations are required. Call 814-865-4776 or email psuhealthyaging@gmail.com.)

§  Cooking with Kris Brain-Boosting Smoothie Demonstration, Dining Services Director, for an afternoon snack with friends to create your own brain-healthy smoothie with selections of power foods including blueberries, coconut oil, beets, and other tasty treats on April 26^th at 3:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our April 2017 events in State College, PA at Juniper Village at Brookline Senior Living with you as you Believe in Yourself.