Baycrest

BrainMATTERS SPRING|SUMMER 2021 23 Q: How has your involvement with Baycrest influenced your attitude toward brain health and aging? Ellis: Working so closely with Baycrest, I have become much more aware of the importance of focusing on brain health, especially as we age. In fact, I've made a few lifestyle changes because of it, including upping my physical fitness with regular workouts and improving my diet. Mental stimulation and socialization are other key factors to keep your brain healthy and luckily, as CEO of Cineplex, I have always benefitted from an ample amount of both. But as I continue to age, I'm doing everything I can to keep the best lifestyle possible…and brain health is at the top of the list. "Watching a movie is a multi-sensory experience that makes you think and feel at the same time. It can be very moving and powerful. It can trigger long-term memories and elicit a range of emotional responses. All of this can have a positive impact on your brain health and your overall health and wellness, at any age," says Melissa Tafler, who develops programming for seniors that integrates film as part of her role as Manager of Culture, Arts and Health Services for Baycrest@Home. "It's both a cognitive and an emotional experience," she explains. "Viewing a movie with others creates a shared experience within a community. Movies help us see things from a different perspective and create an opportunity to step outside of ourselves, even for a short time." Through a partnership with TIFF, Baycrest@Home has been screening a variety of short international films both online and on the internal Baycrest TV channel to engage seniors and prompt discussion and reflection. Baycrest@Home also offers a popular, virtual film discussion group for clients and family caregivers that exposes them to unique stories and themes, and gives them a chance to share their insights and tell their own stories, contributing to their overall health and well-being. BAYCREST CONGRATULATES 2020 HONOUREES The following Baycrest ambassadors are among the 25 people appointed to the Order of Ontario in 2020, the province's highest honour: • Ellis Jacob, C.M. Baycrest Board Member • Dale H. Lastman, C.M. Baycrest Board Chair • Hershell Ezrin, Baycrest Board Member (past) • Karen Goldenberg, Baycrest Board of Governors Member (past) 2020 Order of Canada • Dr. Morris Moscovitch, a founding senior scientist at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute, was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2020 for his critical contributions to the fields of clinical neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience, notably his groundbreaking memory research. Movies Benefit Brain Health AND WELLNESS AT ANY AGE

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