Steph Carideo is a young woman, but she says she can hardly wait for her golden years.
At last year’s “Aging Gratefully” panel discussion presented by Jmore, Carideo, manager of AgeWell Baltimore, an initiative of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore to provide comprehensive services for seniors seeking resources and assistance, said the aging process doesn’t necessarily have to be a gloomy affair.
“We know [from studies] that as we age, our happiness increases,” she said. “We have a better sense of self, so everything we’ve experienced and learned over the course of our lifetime helps us with our life challenges.
“I tell ya, if I know I’m going to be happier, kinder and more intelligent, I can’t wait to get older.”
The key, she said, is finding “meaning and purpose” in one’s life while “contributing to your community.”
Carideo calls it “proactive aging” while planning for your future.
“At AgeWell, we don’t talk about chronological age. Remember, we age from the day we’re born,” said Carideo. “We talk about aging as a life stage. We are now living longer, healthier lives, and by 2034 there will be more older people than younger people. We can all thrive as we age by living well, being well and aging gratefully.”
Attitude is a crucial component, she said.
“So much research shows that a positive mindset affects our wellbeing,” said Carideo. “We can add seven-and-a-half years to our life expectancy with a positive attitude on growing older. … Society often tells us it’s a period of decline and weakness. But if we keep the momentum of our lives going, there’s no reason not to age well.”
For our annual Aging Gratefully cover package, Jmore recently spoke with a trio of local Jewish seniors to glean their insights into how best to enjoy one’s twilight years.
‘You Can’t Stay Down for Too Long’
“You can’t stay down for too long,” says Ben Dubin, a longtime member of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. “You’ve got to get up and find your niche.” [Read the full story.]
In Their Blood
Warren and Fran Gould are a familiar sight around Chizuk Amuno, where Warren oversees the congregation’s American Red Cross blood drive — the largest Jewish institution-sponsored blood drive in the nation. [Read the full story.]
Hands of Hope
A New York group has created a program that aims to connect isolated older adults to social activities, community programs and services. [Read the full story.]
Schools in Montgomery County have recently experienced a wave of antisemitic incidents.
CCBC Honors scholars are discovering a level of academic rigor and opportunity typically associated with elite four-year institutions.
Filmmaker Justin Schein looks at wealth and inequality through the very real story of his late father.
This year’s Community Block Party at the JCC of Greater Baltimore will feature classic cars, giant inflatables, games, a rock-climbing wall and roller skating rink, and strolling entertainers.