We’ve all been there, a moment when someone says or does something that instantly rubs us the wrong way. Our first instinct? Sarcasm, blunt honesty, or a flash of frustration. I’ve been consciously working on this my entire life. It’s not easy, especially when sarcasm was my father’s love language. Sometimes, sarcasm escapes my [...]

Lifelong learning is the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional reasons. For older adults, it can be a way to stay mentally sharp, socially connected, and engaged with the world. With numerous educational resources and classes available, the opportunities for lifelong learning are vast and varied. Here are some of [...]

Nestled within a supportive community that values tradition, compassion, and holistic well-being, Jewish Senior Life offers residents a comprehensive approach to health that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Let's delve deeper into the intricate tapestry of holistic health at Jewish Senior Life, where residents are empowered to lead fulfilling lives in a vibrant and [...]

Who isn’t? The world is in pain and so are we in response. As we follow recent news, we experience feelings of stress.  And with fear or stress come changes in our breathing.  Our breaths come faster, and they are shallower. These changes are a normal, automatic and instinctual response to emotional and mental stress. [...]

By Jo Strausz Rosen At JSL Fleischman Residence, the Life Enrichment Coordinators and volunteer practitioners of reiki, mindfulness, and meditation have been bringing peaceful moments to the residents for many years, often utilizing music and the spoken word. Millions of people claim meditation—otherwise known as “sitting still and thinking about nothing”—can be as simple as [...]

By Jo Strausz Rosen We are not the only ones who have been drumming the point home that movement, fitness, socialization and wellness impact longevity. International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) founder and CEO, Colin Milner, says, “Aging well involves more than simply programs and special events, but requires an intentional, ongoing pursuit of potential [...]

By Jo Strausz Rosen A few years ago, I was fortunate to meet the fabulous Brené Brown, PhD, MSW, at a convention. She told me, “Connection is the reason we are here.” She went on to demonstrate in personal stories that nothing lasts forever, and that this is the reason we must cherish each moment [...]

By Jo Strausz Rosen A recent study led by scientists at the University of California, San Diego points to the fact that socially isolated individuals may be more likely to become critically ill or worse. Dr. Crystal Wiley Cene, a Professor of Clinical Medicine and Chief Administrative Officer for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion said, [...]

Eldering... Becoming The Sage By Jo Strausz Rosen Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomie taught, “When we refer to someone as a “senior” this noun points to a static, lifeless condition. It’s as if a state called “senior” has been attained and all further organic growth had ceased. Regarding the word “eldering,” the “ing” of the word refers [...]

By Jo Strausz Rosen Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi was approaching his 60th birthday.  The realization came to him that he was getting old, and he felt alone and vulnerable and feared becoming “a geriatric case who follows the predictable pattern of retirement, painful physical diminishment, a rocking chair existence in a nursing home, and the eventual [...]

As 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 each day, the demographics of America are changing. This expanding group of Americans is redefining the senior lifestyle with unique perspectives on aging and the role local communities can play in helping us get the most from our future years.  Couples often have conflicting attitudes toward aging. Some try [...]

By Jo Strausz Rosen This week JSL staff attended Therapy Session #2 with Betsy Stone, PhD. She provided guidance on what our brains have been dealing with during the Pandemic. Our brains need recovery. There has been a shift in personality for some. Many have caused themselves harm and some have taken their own lives. [...]