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Fourth of July celebrations came with a touch comedy and magic at the Asbury Park Senior Center.

The Thursday afternoon Carnival event featured Master Magician Micky Magic, with a bit of assistance from a few seniors and the city’s own Mayor John Moor.

“The show is designed specifically for the senior set, so everything is easy to see and visually vibrant,” said Michael Gomez, aka Micky Magic. “Many studies have found that comedy stimulates the brain by the release of endorphins. When folks are laughing there’s better blood circulation; it relaxes and therefore the immune system gets boosted. The show makes them feel like the stars and forget their aches and pain; everyone knows that laughter is good medicine.”

The  event is among a full slate of tailored offerings at the Springwood Avenue center, which serves up to 50 seniors on a regular basis. Regular provided services include health screenings, exercise programs, day trips, and guest lecture education events that aim to foster a healthy lifestyles, safety, and independent living, Supervisor Karen Murphy has said.

This month’s events features yoga classes, a trip to the Columbus Flea Market and to Atlantic city, a buffet luncheon cruise, and visits from Prevention First and the local Coastal Habitat for Humanity.

For more about the programs available to seniors, click here.

[Photos courtesy of Brenna Barker]

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