“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.” — David Bowie
“I have reached an age when if someone tells me to wear socks, I don’t have to!” — Albert Einstein
Americans are living longer now than ever before, much thanks to the astonishing advances of medical science, health care and technology over the past few decades.
But are we aging and living lives of quality, grace and purpose?
We all know that getting older is no bed of roses, with the accumulation of losses, pains and setbacks that accompany the inevitable process of aging. But is there a way to make the most of one’s remaining years?
Studies show that older people generally tend to be happier than their younger counterparts, discovering joy and meaning in some of the so-called “ordinary” things in life. (We know data shows that older Americans fared better psychologically than young people during the pandemic, presumably due to the hard knocks they overcame during the course of their lifetimes.) Studies also show that older people who feel a sense of purpose reap the physical and mental benefits of such gratitude and contentment.
Jmore recently spoke with six local Jewish seniors to receive insights, in their own words, on how best to enjoy one’s twilight years.
‘It Takes a Really Strong Person’
For those thinking about moving to a senior living community, Martha Meier Weiman, 87, has a simple piece of advice: “If you’re even thinking about it a little bit, do it before you have to.” [Read the full story.]
‘Being Offbeat Helps’
“I always advise people it’s good to be a little strange, peculiar, odd,” says East Baltimore native, Rae Rossen, 92. “That gives you a little bit of armor when dealing with things in life. Being offbeat helps.” [Read the full story.]
‘A Family of Friends’
“Go outside. Walk a lot,” says Marianne Sekulow, 88, who lives at Edenwald with her husband, Erwin “Erv” Sekulow, 85. “Push yourself beyond the comfort level.” [Read the full story.]
‘Don’t Despair’
“You’ve got to keep your mind active,” says Edith Sherr, who has lived at North Oaks Senior Living Community in Pikesville for the past 16 years. “I’m not talking about crossword puzzles. Be involved in the world, don’t isolate yourself.” [Read the full story.]
‘A Lot of Light’
When Carole Ellin, 86, first started looking for an apartment at Edenwald, she knew she wanted “a place with a lot of light. [Read the full story.]
‘I am a Believer’
Happiness, goodness and contentment are all part of aging gratefully, writes Janet Kurland, who retired from Jewish Community Services in 2018 after a 42-year career there working primarily with seniors. [Read the full story.]
Photography by David Stuck
Presented by Jews United for Justice and a consortium of local synagogues, "Beyond Welcoming the Stranger" offered a Jewish approach to helping immigrants.
John Singer wants to help Marylanders of all economic backgrounds to afford ankle foot orthoses.
At Krieger Schechter Day School, joining in the later elementary or middle school isn’t a setback -- it’s a launch pad.
Israeli-Americans Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin talked about the pain of losing their 23-year-old son, who was kidnapped and later murdered in the Oct. 7th tragedy.