Hebrew SeniorLife

Today we observe Juneteenth, commemorating June 19, 1865 — the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Emancipation Day, Juneteenth has been a federal holiday since 2021.

At Hebrew SeniorLife, honoring Juneteenth reflects our commitment to building a community where everyone belongs — across our campuses and our workplace. It's also a reminder that this work continues every day, so that every person, regardless of race, has access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to live their best lives as they age.

Could deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease work without surgery? New research from Hebrew SeniorLife suggests it might.

In a pilot study published in eBioMedicine, researchers tested a noninvasive technique called transcranial temporal interference stimulation, which uses carefully calibrated electrical currents delivered through the scalp to reach deep brain regions — no implanted electrodes required. Among 30 people with early- to mid-stage Parkinson's disease, a single 20-minute session produced clinically meaningful improvement in movement for 70% of participants, compared with just 15% after a sham treatment. The strongest effects were seen in slowness of movement and tremor, two of the most disabling symptoms of Parkinson's.

"Transcranial temporal interference stimulation represents a fundamentally different approach to non-invasive neuromodulation — one that can reach deep brain targets without surgery," said Alvaro Pascual-Leone, MD, PhD, senior scientist at Hebrew SeniorLife’s Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research.

The study was designed as a pilot trial measuring short-term effects, and the team — working with collaborators in China, the United Kingdom, and Germany — is already planning larger studies to test repeated sessions and longer-lasting benefits. If confirmed, the approach could one day bring the benefits of deep brain stimulation to far more patients, without the operating room.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4vIYi8q

Congratulations to Hebrew SeniorLife psychologist Rachael Arielly, PsyD, who has been named to the American Hospital Association's Next Generation Leaders Fellowship.

Arielly, associate director of psychiatry and behavioral health at Hebrew SeniorLife, is one of 46 health care leaders selected for the 2026–2027 cohort of the yearlong fellowship, which helps participants sharpen their leadership skills and drive meaningful change within their organizations.

She is also a recipient of the John A. Hartford Foundation Age-Friendly Health Systems Scholarship, awarded to leaders committed to advancing age-friendly care for older adults. As an Age-Friendly Fellow, Arielly will apply the 4Ms Framework — What Matters, Medications, Mentation, and Mobility — through a capstone project at Hebrew SeniorLife.

We're proud to see Rachael's leadership recognized as she continues working to improve care for older adults.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3AdLP2Q

Yesterday was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day — a fitting moment to talk about a form of harm that often goes unrecognized, even by the people closest to it.

When you take on responsibility for an older adult's care — managing medications, meals, bills, or medical appointments — the demands can build over time. Without enough support, relief, or resources, even the most well-intentioned caregiver can become overwhelmed, and the needs of the person in their care may go unmet.

This is sometimes called unintentional neglect. And even when neglect is unintentional, it still affects a care recipient's health and quality of life.

The good news: recognizing the warning signs early — and reaching out for help — can protect both you and the person in your care. Asking for support is a sign of strength, and resources are available for caregivers and older adults alike.

In a new post, Susan Evensen Tena, LICSW, program director for our Center for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and Neglect, explains why unintentional neglect happens and where to find support in Massachusetts.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3QkxfS0

Congratulations to Thomas J. DeSimone, who has been named board chair-elect of Hebrew SeniorLife.

DeSimone, a longtime member of the Hebrew SeniorLife board and a partner at W/S Development Associates LLC, will succeed current board chair Richard J. Henken when Henken's term ends in 2027.

"With Tom's longstanding commitment to Hebrew SeniorLife and deep expertise across our full range of services, I can think of no one better suited to lead this organization as we continue to embrace the many opportunities ahead and redefine what it means to age well," said Henken.

"At this stage in my own life, I can think of no more meaningful way to give back than by serving an organization like Hebrew SeniorLife, which is leading the way in redefining what aging can look like," said DeSimone.

DeSimone is a Fort Myers, Florida resident with deep community ties, including more than 15 years of volunteer leadership with Hebrew SeniorLife.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/44bQXm0

At Hebrew SeniorLife, we take employee feedback seriously – in fact, one of our cultural beliefs is “Speak Up.” That’s why we recently completed our annual employee engagement survey, so leaders can hear what makes us a great place to work and where we can do even better. Here’s NewBridge on the Charles Project Worker Renel Marcellin, who won one of the 12 raffle prizes that were given away to celebrate employee participation.

Interested in joining a culture where you have a voice in shaping your workplace? Check out our latest job postings on our Careers page

https://bit.ly/3WOygzd

The federal food pyramid got a makeover — and it has a new emphasis on protein. 🥜

Alegria Cohen, dietetic internship coordinator and lead clinical dietitian at Hebrew SeniorLife, sat down with Canton Community Television to break down what the updated dietary guidelines mean for older adults. Among the changes: protein recommendations have increased from 0.8–1 gram per kilogram of body weight to 1.2–1.6 grams — especially important for older adults, who naturally experience age-related muscle loss.

Cohen also explains how to balance animal and plant-based proteins, why the "good for you" fats in nuts differ from saturated fats, and how to choose among dairy options to support bone health.

Watch the full interview ➡️ https://bit.ly/4fBCaZ2

After a hospital stay, regaining strength can make the difference between returning home and needing long-term care. In a new pilot study from Hebrew SeniorLife's Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, 80% of frail older adults who received individualized exercise and targeted protein supplementation in skilled nursing facilities returned to the community — not to long-term care or the hospital.

"Too often, frailty is treated as an inevitable part of aging and recovery after illness," said Sandra Shi, MD, MPH, assistant scientist II at the Marcus Institute. "Even very vulnerable older adults may be able to regain strength and function when exercise and nutrition are intentionally combined during rehabilitation."

The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, was designed to test feasibility and safety — and the encouraging results support larger studies on whether structured frailty programs can help more older adults maintain independence after hospitalization.

This research was supported by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health. Public investment in science makes discoveries like this possible — advancing care and helping older adults live healthier, more independent lives.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4v2gMB3

Every grandchild deserves to know their grandparent's love is unconditional. 🏳️‍🌈

At NewBridge on the Charles, a group of grandparents meets monthly to talk about how to best support their LGBTQIA+ grandchildren — a group inspired by a guest talk from Nick Teich, founder of a summer camp for transgender and nonbinary youth.

In our blog post, Community Life Enhancement and Spiritual Care Liaison Miriam Priven shares advice for grandparents of LGBTQ+ grandchildren: lead with unwavering love, take time to educate yourself, give yourself grace when you make mistakes, and find safe spaces to work through your own questions and fears.

With the Boston Pride March taking place this past weekend, it's a fitting moment to celebrate the many ways families show up for the people they love.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4dGZY9J

Delirium after surgery isn't just a short-term complication — it may shape brain health for years. A new study from researchers at Hebrew SeniorLife's Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Mass General Brigham, and Brown University found that postoperative delirium remains the strongest predictor of long-term cognitive decline in older adults — a stronger predictor than rehospitalization, ICU stays, or post-acute rehabilitation.

"Delirium was associated with cognitive decline at a rate faster than what we would normally see with mild cognitive impairment, and the effect was not mediated by rehospitalization," said first author Tammy Hshieh, MD, MPH, assistant scientist at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research and a geriatrician in the Division of Aging in Mass General Brigham’s Department of Medicine. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, followed 560 adults age 70 and older for up to six years.

Delirium is the most common complication older adults experience after surgery, and these findings underscore why preventing it matters: its effects on cognition can persist up to five years. The results point to delirium prevention as a key strategy for protecting long-term brain health — and to the need for more research into why delirium and cognitive decline are so closely connected.

This research was supported by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health. Public investment in science makes discoveries like this possible — advancing care and helping older adults live healthier, more independent lives.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ulDBya