From the Desk of CEO Judy Halper: April 2023

I’ve heard it mentioned that if you want to know how well a community functions, observe how it takes care of and addresses the needs of its aging population. Relatedly, many of us are familiar with the strong desire of older people to age well while aging independently. Author and physician Atul Gawande suggests in his book, “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End,” that when it comes to aging, what we ought to focus on is well-being rather than survival. The challenge to his recommendation often occurs when adult children, caring for their aging parents, place safety ahead of independence. Very often, the elderly rank independence as their primary goal.

This issue, and others relating to aging and caregiving, will be the focus of our upcoming  “Keeping The Spirit Alive” conference on Sunday, April 30, at Beth El Synagogue. As we do every two years, we offer caregivers and others the opportunity to convene and focus on matters related to aging and caregiving – topics that affect all of us at one point or another. To learn more about the conference, click here where you can read all about the keynote presenter, breakout sessions and more.

There are many ways Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis assists people to age successfully in place. Our transportation and shopping programs are often just the small assist  people need in order to remain safe and comfortable at home for as long as possible. Our Care Plan Consultation and Memory Café programs are other resources that can be helpful to those who are aging and want to remain independent, as well as those who care for them.

Whether you provide support to someone who is aging, or just getting older yourself(!), JFCS can be a resource and provide the support you need.