Broadview at Purchase College Holds Gateway to Vibrant Aging Event

PURCHASE, NY – September 16, 2025 – In an effort to improve the quality of life for older adults, Broadview at Purchase College, a university retirement community, and NewYork-Presbyterian co-hosted a special presentation titled “Gateway to Vibrant Aging.”

The event, held on the campus of Purchase College, brought together community members to learn about the latest research and strategies for promoting healthy and vibrant aging.

The presentation featured four expert speakers who spoke to more than 75 residents and guests about ways to remain vital from suggestions on how to improve diet, physical activity and social connection to promote cognitive health. Participants also learned more about NewYork Presbyterian’s The One, a new center for advanced care on Westchester Avenue in White Plains offering 90 specialties and subspecialties in both adult and pediatric care.

The speakers were Dr. Faith Gunning, a leading expert in the cognitive neuroscience of aging from Weill Cornell Medicine; Kate Abate, Broadview’s Life Enrichment Director; Dima Salhoobi, a registered dietitian specializing in functional nutrition; and Alyssa Klein, MPT, a Physical Therapy Manager at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester.

“Aging is not just about physical health; it’s also about maintaining cognitive and emotional vitality,” said Dr. Gunning, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry. “My research focuses on developing effective interventions for mood and anxiety disorders, which are critical for ensuring a high quality of life as we get older.”

Abate spoke about the importance of social connection to cognitive health and urged residents to take advantage of the multitude of programs offered by Broadview to encourage lifelong learning. “We believe in a holistic approach to wellness that goes beyond physical activity,” said Abate. “My goal is to create innovative, engaging programs that foster resident wellness, purpose, and meaningful connection. By focusing on resident lifestyle and community development, we enhance vitality and encourage healthy living, social engagement, and lifelong learning.”

Salhoobi, Broadview’s Registered Dietitian, then spoke about the critical role of nutrition, specifically highlighting the MIND diet, which combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets. “Studies show that following the MIND diet can reduce the risk of dementia by 53% and slow cognitive decline by 35%,” explained Salhoobi. She outlined key dietary components, including leafy greens, nuts, berries, and fatty fish, while stressing the need to limit processed foods and noting that alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for dementia.

Klein, a physical therapist with 21 years of experience at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester, highlighted the importance of mobility and strength. “Physical therapy plays a vital role in helping seniors improve their strength, mobility, and overall quality of life,” said Klein. “Working with patients to overcome physical challenges and regain their independence is incredibly rewarding. It’s an essential component of vibrant aging.”

Klein took the audience through a series of simple exercises aimed at improving posture, balance and flexibility, saying that agility was important because falls were the number one cause of serious life-changing injuries.

The event marked a collaboration between Broadview at Purchase College and NewYork-Presbyterian, two organizations committed to the well-being of older adults.

“We are thrilled to work with NewYork-Presbyterian, a leader in healthcare, to bring this important discussion to our community,” said Amy Post, Marketing Director at Broadview. “Our mission at Broadview is to create a community that supports a holistic approach to wellness. This event reinforces our commitment to providing our residents with access to exceptional health resources and programs that promote a fulfilling and active lifestyle.”

The “Gateway to Vibrant Aging” presentation is the first in a series of collaborative events planned by Broadview. Future events will continue to explore topics related to healthy aging, wellness, and community engagement, providing valuable information to seniors and their families.