From the desk of CEO Judy Halper: October 2024
A few weeks ago, JFCS held a luncheon/recruitment event for volunteers who currently assist our senior clients and those thinking they might like to volunteer in this area. It was heartwarming to see dedicated volunteers gather and share their positive experiences driving our senior clients, shopping for/and with them, or simply providing socialization opportunities. Too often, the needs of seniors are overlooked, or worse, accepted. Plenty of research exists to demonstrate how addressing isolation, so commonly experienced by seniors, leads to better health outcomes and lower societal cost.
Annette Sandler, who is a good friend of mine and was JFCS Senior Services Director for many years, used to say quite often that “only the lucky get old.” None of us would dispute that, but living into old age should not be an achievement unto itself. Making the most of our years and retaining a sense of value is key.
JFCS recently held two events where young adults and teens gathered with people their grandparents ages and older to play games and enjoy refreshments. Intergenerational connections such as these have demonstrated mental health benefits for all. For the younger set, there are benefits to learning from the older crowd, whose wisdom, perspective, kindness and limitations, can enlighten them about aging. For those in the older cohort, exposure to energetic, eager-to-connect youthful versions of themselves addresses their desires to remain engaged and appreciated.
Meeting the needs of older adults isn’t always easy to fund, though. Securing resources for this age group oftentimes competes with other worthy causes. That’s one of the reasons why this year’s 36th Annual JFCS Benefit on Dec. 7 will spotlight the needs of seniors, and how your support can make a difference. With the generous support of an anonymous donor, we have a $100,000 match for every dollar donated!
Another favorite saying about aging, this time attributed to a former JFCS staff member who sadly passed away, is “Don’t count the days; make every day count.” He was a finance guy, so numbers really mattered. When I think of how much we can all benefit from this advice, regardless of our age, I am grateful.