We’re excited to offer some unique events at our communities this week. First, Steve Stotsky will visit us to discuss media information, focusing specifically on reporting inaccuracy about Israel. This important discussion is an excellent opportunity to learn about accuracy in the news and supporting journalistic integrity. On a lighter note, artist Diane Firtell will host a workshop demonstrating how to make the unique, collaged and painted flowerpots she’s known for. We will also host a Ladies Top Sale, featuring the stylish line from MBR Associates. This is a great opportunity to update your wardrobe without having to brave the mall! Finally, we will participate in the 5K 2013 Remembery Walk for Alzheimer’s. We’re recruiting both walkers and sponsors for this important fundraising event. Keep reading for details.

Boylston hosts Media Misinformation with Steve Stotsky (May 9)

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration decided to ease up on the approval process for new Alzheimer’s drugs. The decision is an effort to progress the battle against Alzheimer’s and dementia by finding ways to prevent or slow their progression in the early stages. Because the number of people with Alzheimer’s could triple to 16 million by 2050, the FDA says aiding efforts to combat the disease are more important than ever. 

So how are the rules changing? For more than a decade, the FDA required manufacturers to conduct clinical trials showing that drugs would improve daily functioning and preserve mental capacities. While manufactures will still have to hold drug trials, they will only need to demonstrate that people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s have shown subtle improvements on memory or reasoning tests.

At EPOCH, we are committed to supporting those who lost so much after the tragic events in Boston last month. Many of our communities will be hosting a dinner this week and next to help the victims and their families. A $10 donation for pasta and dessert is requested, and all proceeds will go to The One Fund Boston, formed by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino to help all those personally affected by the bombings. We hope you’ll join us. Keep reading to learn details for your local EPOCH community.

Providence − EPOCH Assisted Living on the East Side will cohost a dinner with EPOCH Assisted Living on Blackstone Boulevard on Thursday, May 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The dinner will be held at our East Side Community, located at One Butler Avenue. Please R.S.V.P. by May 1 by calling 401‑275‑0682, or 401‑273‑6565.

Brewster − EPOCH Assisted Living at Brewster Place, 855 Harwich Road, will host a fundraiser dinner on Friday, May 3 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. For more information or to R.S.V.P., please call 508‑896‑3252.

We’re hosting a variety of great events at our EPOCH communities this week. If you’re a bird lover, you’ll enjoy naturalist John Root’s presentation on the most common songbirds of the northeast. He’ll share his wonderful collection of photographs and song recordings of these beautiful creatures. We’re also hosting a spring ladies sale featuring popular clothing from the Alfred Dunner collection. If you love animals, you won’t want to miss the traveling petting zoo Barn Babies. You’ll get to play with all kinds of adorable baby animals. Finally, we will welcome storm chaser Chris Curtis for a unique, exciting presentation on what it’s like to be up close and personal with tornados, hurricanes and other storms. Keep reading to learn more!

Driving safety as we age can be a delicate subject. Loved ones and caregivers of aging seniors can find it a difficult topic to broach, especially if a senior is reticent to address their own declining driving skills. There are, however, things caregivers and seniors themselves can do to help ensure a senior’s safety on the road. And it may be as simple as using a gym a few times a week!

According to researchers from MIT’s AgeLab and the Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence, exercise may be the key to keeping seniors driving independently as they age.

"We know that exercise is valuable as we age," says Joseph Coughlin, Ph.D., director of the MIT AgeLab in a press release, "but we were interested in looking at connections to specific driving issues associated with aging."