The JSL Difference
By Jo Strausz Rosen
Our sister agency 2Life Communities in Boston shares the following and we couldn’t agree more. “Loneliness and Isolation are 2 reasons to think twice about aging in place. We need people in our lives, especially as we grow older. Our physical and mental health depend on it. A growing body of research shows that loneliness not only makes life miserable for older people, but also leaves them vulnerable to illness and disease. Ironically, most of us express a desire to “age in place” or remain in our current residence indefinitely — perhaps for the rest of our lives. Though that’s understandable from the standpoint of familiarity and simplicity, it’s a choice that can come at a heavy price.”
“A persuasive body of evidence shows that strong social connections are central to our physical and mental well-being, according to findings from the National Council on Aging, and older people need to feel involved and valued by those near them. But when older adults become disconnected and isolated — which often happens when they choose to age in place — there can be negative health consequences that include impaired mental performance, a compromised immune system, heightened risk of chronic disease and clinical depression. Other studies have linked loneliness to a range of health problems that include high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart attack and strokes. Social isolation in older adults leads to a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. One investigation, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry, found an association between feelings of social detachment and the development of brain biomarkers common in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. A six-year British study tracking more than 2,000 people age 60 and over found that the loneliest subjects were nearly twice as likely to die than the least lonely — a 14% greater mortality risk than the general population. This figure means that loneliness has roughly twice the impact on an early death as obesity.”
Can living in older adult communities serve as an antidote to isolation? If you’re worried about your own social well-being or that of a loved one, consider these questions:
Do you or your loved one feel isolated or left out?
Do you or your loved one feel like you’re lacking companionship?
Do you or your loved one wish you had more visitors?
Would or your loved one like help connecting with others?
Discover Jewish Senior Life. Our communities offer aging adults a place to be themselves and to be with others. We nurture a sense of community and enrich the lives of older adults, while embracing Jewish values and celebrating life. JSL is proud to provide inclusive residential communities and is the provider of choice for outstanding residences and compassionate services that enable older adults to live healthy, joyous, and purposeful lives.
People live fully in their own beautiful private apartment homes with plenty of social space to spend time with friends and peers, thereby eliminating feelings of isolation. Social activities are a cornerstone of communal living. Our Life Enrichment Coordinators and Residential Service Coordinators offer our communities purposeful and enriching activities and support. People can easily meet new friends in dining, social areas, exercise classes, creative pursuits, and spiritual opportunities. In addition to group activities, JSL communities have libraries, gardens, media rooms, and other spaces that people can enjoy on their own if they so desire.
The online journal, Healthline reports, “Spending time with others in truly authentic relationships helps create an increased sense of belonging and connectivity, a higher quality of life, reduced risk of depression, and perhaps even greater life expectancy in the absence of isolation’s most damaging factors. We’ve seen the life-changing effects when older adults come together in a supportive community that empowers independence, values their wisdom and experience, provides opportunities for connection and personal growth, and infuses each day with joy.”
Our greater Detroit Metropolitan community embraces the residents of Jewish Senior Life communities. We collaborate with thought leaders, policy influencers, partners and innovators actively fighting every day for a better standard of living for our older adults. Our residents appreciate our loving staff who continue to provide enriching and uplifting environments where residents have the freedom and support, they need to thrive. This is our mission and our calling. We’ve been in this business since 1907 and continue to share The JSL Difference with residents and families in our Detroit Metropolitan Community. LIVE with us!
At Jewish Senior Life, our campuses in West Bloomfield and in Oak Park offer the services and opportunities older adults need for engagement rather than loneliness and isolation. Friendship and connection provide direction and purpose, and residents are given the opportunity to volunteer in endeavors they find engaging and that align with their interests. If care services are needed, assisted living and memory care are offered in both locations.
Learn how life at a JSL community can be the antidote to loneliness and a gateway to fulfillment for you or any older loved one in your life. Contact Tracey Proghovnick today to schedule a tour at your convenience.
Tracy Proghovnick
248-592-5048
tproghovnick@jslmi.org
