TRENDING Senior Living 2020
This is where I still celebrate.
This is where I still find delight in each and every day.
This is where I still laugh, sing, smile and most importantly—grow.
Duncaster is where
life is still good. A Life Plan community for seniors who want a plan for life. Want an inside look at life here from the comfort of your favorite chair?
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The financial advice you’ll receive comes with: • Personalized financial strategies with a broad range of investment choices • A wealth advisor who takes the time to listen and understand your individual needs • Support from a talented force of market analysts, investment planning specialists, and portfolio managers
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PUBLICATIONS JHL CONNECTICUT, LLC Publisher LESLIE IARUSSO Associate Publisher JUDIE JACOBSON Editor in Chief TOM HICKEY President 2020 Media EDITORIAL STACEY DRESNER Staff Writer PRODUCTION ELISA S. WAGNER Creative Director
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Practices in Care Change … Our Priorities Don’t
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contents
TRENDING SENIOR LIVING 2020
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Cooking for just you
Reading keeps aging
Innovative gizmos
A Massachusetts man
can be empowering.
minds agile. Start
and gadgets to
helps quarantined
with this list.
improve the aging
seniors stay in touch
experience.
with family.
PAGE 20
PAGE 23
Experts talk about
Older adults are
how seniors can
mostly concerned
survive and thrive
with others during
during the pandemic.
the COVID-19 crisis.
Table for One
PAGE 8
Second Acts For retirees, no work doesn’t mean no play. Get a hobby!
Book Worms
PAGE 16
Beautiful Music If you want to exercise your brain, turn on the tunes.
Bright Ideas
Face Time
Feeling Groovy
Worry Warts
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GOING SOLO 10 tips on how to cook just for you
Some say cooking for one is a downer, not worth the effort, more expensive than eating out. We say, no, no, and no. Well, okay, maybe sometimes. But cooking for one can also be downright fun and even empowering. After all, what could be bad about cooking exactly what you want, whenever you want it, without giving a thought to someone else’s taste buds or dietary needs. Best of all, if your meal is a flop, you don’t need to apologize for ruining someone’s dinner! So give it a try… and keep these tips in mind. 1. PLAN AHEAD. If you find yourself scarfing down a cold bowl of Cheerios or a bag of freshly popped popcorn 7 nights a week, you’re simply not planning ahead. And you should be. Well thought out menus make for more delicious, fresh and healthy meals. Planning ahead also cuts down on impulse buying at the grocery store, which saves you money.
2. SHOP THE DELI News flash! You can buy a single chicken breast at the deli counter — no need to buy a pack of 4; or buy 3 slices of your favorite cheese instead of a whole wedge and 1/4 pound of just about anything else instead of a full pound. Plus, deli counters usually run weekly specials, so keep an eye out for great deals!
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3. AN APPLE A DAY If you fill up your food cart before you make it past the produce section, chances are half the produce you buy will go bad before you get to enjoy it. Resist the urge to overbuy; most pieces of produce can be bought individually. Do it.
4. FILL THE FREEZER. The freezer is your friend. Use it to store leftovers you might not be in the mood for tomorrow; or frozen vegetables that’s still half full; or go-to meals like frozen pizza. Bottom line: the freezer can help you resist impulse drives to pick up take-out on nights you just don’t feel like cooking. 6. BUY A TOASTER OVEN. If you don’t own a toaster oven, what are you waiting for? It’s hands-down the quickest and easiest way to bake/roast/toast/reheat all sorts of single-serving recipes. The microwave oven makes reheated food — like pizza and veggies — soggy. The toaster oven makes them crispy. And while you’re at it, invest in a small-size slow cooker. 7. SPREAD THE WEALTH. Buying in bulk at food warehouses like Costco can be cost-effective — except if you’re one person who can’t possibly use all that food before much of it goes bad. The alternative: Buy one membership with a friend, or group of friends. Sharing groceries is a great way to be able to buy the food you want to buy, especially if prices are better in bulk.
8. CUT TO THE CHASE. Most recipes are designed for at least 2-4 servings. So if you’re cooking for just you it’s helpful to learn how to scale down a recipe for a single serving. You can do the math calculation on your own — or you can ask Google for help or buy (or make) a conversion chart. Of course, it’s sometimes more economical to cook on a larger scale and freeze the leftovers. Up to you.
dishes, or don’t feel guilty about breaking out the paper plates (Look, Ma, no dirty dishes!). Eat your meal sitting at the kitchen table reading a good book…or cozied up on the couch watching TV…or on the deck while the sun sets. Bottom line: If you’re having fun cooking for one, you won’t want to stop!
9. GO-TO RECIPES ROCK. Sandwiches, omelets, quesadillas — recipes like these are easy to make for one person without recalculating ingredient measurements. When you know a handful of simple recipes that are already meant for one person, you can make a meal in no time. So make a list of favorite meals you can throw together at a moment’s notice. 10. HAVE FUN! Cooking should be creative and enjoyable. Some tips: Put together a play list of your favorite music to cook to (and maybe take a minute or two to dance around the kitchen while you’re cooking. After all, nobody’s looking!). Serve your meal on your favorite
Your Mom deserves the best care.
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Living younger, longer.
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BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. GET A HOBBY. Looking for something new to do in retirement? Something that will illuminate your life and make it more interesting? Here’s a novel thought: Don’t choose something that interests you. Or, more to the point, don’t choose something you THINK will interest you. Try something new. Be Bold. Be Brave. Don’t shy away from something just because it sounds like it’s too much of a challenge. Give it time to take root. If you do, you could hit upon unexpected and ultra-awesome life experiences. Here are a few ideas to get your fearless juices flowing. BLOGGING
If there’s some topic you care passionately about, you’ve got what it takes to start a blog. No, you don’t need technical skills — if you can turn on a laptop, you’re good to go. Blogging lets you share your knowledge about a topic with people the world over, and as your blog grows so does your audience. Once you have a decent size audience you can easily monetize your blog through ads, email marketing and e-commerce. Ready to give it a go? Check out one of the many online courses to help you get started.
PICTURE TAKING
Grab a digital camera (so very easy to use!) and shoot away. Take photos of nature, vacations, family gathering, portraits and landscapes…whatever strikes your fancy. You don’t have to be an artist to tap into your creative impulses.
COFFEE KLATCHING
Stop in at your local diner on a weekday morning and you’ll catch groups of retirees sitting around chatting. Some do it once a week, some almost every day. Want to give it a try? Just call up a few friends, agree on a time and place…and you’re off and running. If you can’t think of any friends to invite, join an existing group by striking up a conversation with one at your local diner, or post a note on the message board of a local senior living community or retirement home.
GARDENING
Nurturing a garden and watching beautiful flowers come to life can be so uplifting — something we can all use these days. Time was gardening took a toll on one’s joints and knees, but there are so many tools on the market nowadays that it’s infinitely easier to bend down and lift heavy loads.
VOLUNTEERING
Homeless shelters, animal shelters, children’s literacy groups, houses of worship…there are so many ways to give back to your community. A side benefit: Volunteering gives you the opportunity to make a few new friends and infuse your life with purpose.
HOUSE SITTING
Those with wanderlust can travel the world inexpensively as house sitters. Often, these houses will have a pet that needs to be cared for. So, if you don’t like animals, house sitting is probably not for you. But for those who like animals, this can be a great way to spend your retirement. House sitting isn’t a paid job, and you’ll have to pay for your expenses, like transportation and food. But the free accommodations make it a great way for travelers to save money. There are great resources out for those interested, such as Trustedhousesitters.com.
8
DIGGING DEEP
Once you start digging deep into your family history you won’t be able to stop! Find out who you are and unearth family stories and secrets. You may even discover a relative or two whom you never knew about.
KNITTING
Knitting is relaxing and fun, affordable and portable. You may even end up crafting gifts for loved ones that they’ll treasure forever. Plus, you can do it solo…or become part of a knitting group and make new friends.
LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE
Learning a new language is extremely challenging — and incredibly rewarding. Just choose a language, then visit one of the many websites and apps out there today, such as Rosetta Stone and Babbel. Once you’re done learning, put your new skills to work by visiting that country. Sure, learning a new language takes a lot of time and you’ll probably never be perfect at it, but that’s hardly the point. Just being able to communicate in another language with someone from another country is its own reward.
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Hebrew Center for Health and Rehabilitation
THE HEBREW CENTER FOR HEALTH AND REHABILITATION:
Experience 5-Star Nursing Care Complemented with our HKC Certified Kosher Meals HKC
כשר
CERTIFIED KOSHER
At the Hebrew Center for Health and Rehabilitation, we understand that maintaining your religious beliefs and principles is fundamental in continued enrichment of life.
Our Kosher meal services allow residents to maintain their dietary requirements throughout their stay with us. At the Hebrew Center, we ensure we follow all principles of kashrut including purchase, storage, preparation, and service.
At the Hebrew Center for Health and Rehabilitation, we offer a variety of services and amenities to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. SERVICES INCLUDE: • Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care • Passport to Rehabilitation Program • Dementia Care • Respite Care Program • Palliative Care and Hospice Services Coordination
OUR AMENITIES INCLUDE: • Barber/Beauty Shop • Café • Cultural Menus • Laundry and housekeeping services • Patient and Family education
We’re only minutes away - but miles ahead in care! Contact us today to learn more. 1 Abrahms Boulevard West Hartford, CT 06117 860.523.3800 www.HebrewCenterRehab.com
11
THE JOY OF READING When it comes to older adults, reading not only provides entertainment and knowledge, it also enhances memory, sharpens decision-making skills, delays the onset of dementia, reduces stress, and helps you sleep better. With so many good books out there to choose from, it’s hard to decide which ones to crack open. Here are just some of the most popular books for senior citizens.
The100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson On his 100th birthday, Allan Karlsson ducks out on his dreaded party and begins an unlikely journey involving criminals, several murders, a suitcase full of cash, and incompetent police. A huge bestseller across Europe, and a fun and feel-good book for all ages. Driving Miss Norma: One Family’s Journey Saying “Yes” to Living by Tim Bauerschmidt When the 90-yearold Miss Norma is diagnosed with uterine cancer, she foregoes treatment, and instead hits the road with her son and his family in tow. With each passing mile, the meaning of home, family, and friendship expands.
The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth With honesty and true understanding, Sally Hepworth pens this poignant story of one of today’s nightmares: early-onset Alzheimer’s.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman This bestselling fiction novel features a cranky, bitter, 59-yearold widower, whom you can’t help falling in love with. It’s also a film, so when your parent is done reading, you can both watch the movie.
The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 by John Bishop Told in the style of 1940s melodramas, this book is an excellent mystery with a touch of comedy. It’s a great read-outloud book, as you and your loved one will share lots of laughs. I’m Too Young To Be 70 by Judy Viorst A wonderful collection of poems that are witty, wise and touching. It’s the perfect book for any older adults who don’t feel their age.
Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age by Jo Ann Jenkins Written by AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins, this book changes the conversation about age. Jenkins focuses on three areas: health, wealth and self, and inspires people to live each year to the fullest.
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Ivy Malone Mystery series by Lorena McCourtney This series of mysteries is popular for its likable characters, including detective Ivy Malone — who’s also in her senior years. Prime of Life by P.D. Bekendam For anyone who likes unexpected storylines. This one is about a doctor who leaves his luxurious career behind to become a janitor at a retirement community. It’s filled with humor and quirky characters.
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson Set in England’s countryside, this book features a retired British army officer and a Pakistani shopkeeper. They’re drawn together and over time, fall in love. However, the challenges from culture and tradition, akin to Romeo and Juliet, make it a compelling read.
The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg This book is about a group of seniors who are fed up with
early bedtimes and soft foods and decide to reclaim their independence by committing a robbery. It’s a comedy of errors that keeps you turning pages until the very end.
Rules for Aging: A Wry and Witty Guide to Life by Roger Rosenblatt commentator on PBS’s NewsHour, Roger Rosenblatt gives practical advice through a wry sense of humor for those wishing to live longer, fuller lives.
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Call It a Gift by Valerie Hobbs A novel about two people who meet each other late in life and fall in love, even though they are an unlikely pair. It’s a heartwarming, sentimental read — your loved one may need tissues.
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Keep Your Brain Young with Music This article courtesy of Johns Hopkins University If you want to firm up your body, head to the gym. If you want to exercise your brain, listen to music.
We Care!
“There are few things that stimulate the brain the way music does,” says one Johns Hopkins otolaryngologist. “If you want to keep your brain engaged throughout the aging process, listening to or playing music is a great tool. It provides a total brain workout.”
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Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.
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275 Steele Road, West Hartford TheMcAuley.org • 860-920-6319
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Experts are trying to understand how our brains can hear and play music. A stereo system puts out vibrations that travel through the air and somehow get inside the ear canal. These vibrations tickle the eardrum and are transmitted into an electrical signal that travels through the auditory nerve to the brain stem, where it is reassembled into something we perceive as music. Johns Hopkins researchers have had dozens of jazz performers and rappers improvise music while lying down inside an fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) machine — a large machine that uses
powerful magnets and radio waves to see inside your body — to watch and see which areas of their brains light up. “Music is structural, mathematical and architectural. It’s based on relationships between one note and the next. You may not be aware of it, but your brain has to do a lot of computing to make sense of it,” notes one otolaryngologist.
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Learn an Instrument
When 13 older adults took piano lessons, their attention, memory and problem-solving abilities improved, along with their moods and quality of life. You don’t have to become a pro, just take a few lessons.
Jump-start your creativity
Listen to what your kids or grandkids listen to, experts suggest. Often, we continue to listen to the same songs and genre of music that we did during our teens and 20s, and we generally avoid hearing anything that’s not from that era. New music challenges the brain in a way that old music doesn’t. It might not feel pleasurable at first, but that unfamiliarity forces the brain to struggle to understand the new sound.
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Recall a memory from long ago
Reach for familiar music, especially if it stems from the same time period that you are trying to recall. Listening to the Beatles might bring you back to the first moment you laid eyes on your spouse, for instance.
Listen to your body
Pay attention to how you react to different forms of music and pick the kind that works for you. What helps one person concentrate might be distracting to someone else, and what helps one person unwind might make another person jumpy.
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9 NEW GIZMOS & GADGETS TO MAKE SENIOR LIFE EASIER CARRY YOUR COOL!
The Blaux Personal Fan blows a constant stream of clean, refreshing air at you while you wear it. With enough juice to work for up to 30 hours on a single charge, this fabulous fan moves a massive amount of air, with positionable air flow and 3 fan speed modes. You’ll feel cool and comfortable all the time. Visit buyblaux.com.
WHAT PAIN?
clean your glasses, leaving your lenses as clean as the day you got them. Used by NASA on the Space Station, Peeps can be used over 500x and cleans lenses 4x faster than traditional cloth.
Kailo is a non-invasive patch that’s embedded with billions of tiny nano capacitors that help turn down the volume on your pain. Just stick a Kailo to the part of your body experiencing pain and within moments you’ll feel the pain easing away. Kailo is reusable and lasts for years. The only maintenance involves replacing the adhesive every now and again.
PEAK-A-BOO!
FitTrack is a new home wellness technology that allows you to measure, track, and trend your health data in real time.
THE DRIVING FORCE
FIXD instantly tells you why your “Check Engine Light” is on and how much the repair should cost (all in easy-to-understand terms). Plug FIXD into any gas, diesel or hybrid car from 1996 onwards. It’s like having a mechanic in your pocket! FIXD alerts you to 7,000+ potential issues with your car in real-time. Link multiple FIXD sensors to one account to monitor every car in your driveway.
SEEING IS BELIEVING
Peeps Carbon Technology utilizes soft carbon microfiber pads to eliminate oil and fingerprints, and safely and easily
THE MEMORY BANK
It’s a fact of life — computers can suddenly quit, crash, catch a virus or get hit by power surges that can wipe away all of your precious memories. To the rescue comes PhotoStick — a USB thumb drive that instantly backs up your priceless memories. Its custom designed interface is easy to use and understand. No software to install; simply plug it into any
FitTrack data includes body fat percentage, muscle and bone mass, hydration levels and other important information that can help you make smarter decisions about your health. Kind of like taking a free physical exam right at home, whenever you want!
Windows or Mac computer and watch it run! 18
SWEET DREAMS
For people who can’t fall asleep or stay asleep, Dodow created waves in the market in early 2018
by helping millions of people fall asleep naturally, without having to resort to toxic pills & OTC drugs. Simply place the Dodow device on your nightstand, turn it on, breathe in and out with its rhythmic glow — and you’re off to dreamland. Built by insomniacs, Dodow combines the latest research in cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and
LOST & FOUND
risk of contact with bacteria or viruses. And, because copper is inherently antimicrobial, it even sanitizes itself! No maintenance or cleaning required.
Do you find yourself misplacing things more and more often? XY Find It is here to help, by allowing you to geo-locate lost items from up to 300 feet away. And with Crowd GPS technology your odds of finding your lost luggage across the country just got a lot less stressful. Just attach the coin-sized XY4+
to any item – your phone, keys, wallet, purse, car, or even
mindfulness with cutting-edge technology to retrain your brain to sleep naturally. It’s simple to use, helps you fall asleep faster AND improves your sleep quality.
your dog – and the free XY Find It app will locate it in seconds.
HANDS OFF FOR GOOD HEALTH
Aviano Copper Protector allows you to “touch” things without making direct physical contact with your hands and fingers – making it easy (and anxiety-free) to open doors, press buttons (it even works on touchscreens and phones!), turn handles, knobs and locks, flush toilets, and much more – all while reducing your
19
Note: Senior Living magazine has not tested these products and does not endorse their use. Readers are advised to investigate what consumers and consumer product organizations and reports have to say before purchasing any of these products.
HOW TO KEEP THE ELDERLY SAFE AND HAPPY IN A PANDEMIC By Nicky Blackburn
The numbers of those suffering from COVID-19 continue to rise — and hardest hit of all are the elderly. What can seniors do to help survive and thrive during these tough times? israel21c. org asked four professionals in the gerontology field for guidance: Prof. Efraim Jaul, Director of Geriatrics, and Yonit Zabari, Director of the Department of Social Work, Herzog Medical Center; Dr. Amnon Raviv, a professional medical clown and college instructor; and Dvora Corn, a family and marital therapist specializing in aging, illness and end-of-life issues, and co-founder of Gisha L’chaim – Life’s Door — helping people cope with death and loss. The number of COVID-19 patients is rising in the U.S., yet some states are keeping everything open. What should seniors do? Dvora Corn — The question of how elderly people, or any individual in what has been identified as high-risk groups, ought to behave during this health pandemic is complex and highly personal. As with many choices, decision making may be based on a risk-benefit equation which takes into consideration not only physical health but other factors which influence quality of life. In this corona time, which is fraught with so many unknowns, the capacity to plan is further challenged by the reality that we have no clear endpoint and as such one may be challenged to sustain plans or may want to reconsider choices as time progresses. During these challenging times, it is often helpful to begin with an examination of values that one senses are core elements of that person’s meaningful existence. For instance, in asking oneself the question “What makes my life worthwhile?” or even “What makes a day a good one for me?” we begin to understand those unique activities without which one’s life becomes less satisfying or even, tragically, unbearable. As such, one may opt to run the risk of
serious illness and even death, if they deem that a life without these elements (e.g. family connection, or other social interactions, time in nature) is not a “life worth living.” While this may seem harsh or even irresponsible behavior, as a society we owe this right to every human being – to choose how he or she wants to live. It’s been said that Vitamin D helps one fight COVID-19. True? Are there other vitamins or food supplements that might help? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari — Assuming one is eating healthy as outlined above, Vitamin D 4000 units is recommended on a daily basis. Vitamin D is known to keep bones healthy and reduces depression. If one is not eating a healthy and balanced diet, Vitamin B and B complex vitamin are recommended as well. Dr. Amnon Raviv — Important vitamins you should have: vitamins L, E & H (love, empathy & humor). It would be great if you could have a big quantity of those, as they would strengthen your immune system as well.
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How can families lift the spirits of senior aunt family members who are isolated in a nursing home? Dr. Amnon Raviv — It is highly recommended to do something enjoyable together. For example, if you have good memories from a vacation that you had in the past, try together to remember every funny detail. You can sing songs that you like together, or you can tell jokes to each other. The emphasis is on doing enjoyable things and less on discussing negative feelings. Dvora Corn — We have found that setting goals and engaging in activities that are meaningful to both parties – even if they are not done in the same space – provides a sense of connection. This may include doing a “book club” and setting times to share thoughts about the books or doing creative arts and showing one another how each is progressing in such projects. The benefit of these sorts of activities is that they carry us forward and allow us to plan for interactions with family members which are content based (“Show me the scarf you are knitting” or “How is your orchid plant doing?”). These corona times have actually opened up new or dormant vistas for engagement and
sharing. While none of us chose to live through a pandemic, we can find deeper meaning and connection, despite the physical space between us. How can we tell if an older person may need professional help? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari — Try to determine if they are following a daily routine, i.e. sleeping well, eating healthy and balanced meals, and if they have an appetite. These are all indicators for depression. Frequent phone calls and use of video calls are important. Encourage them to go out for a short walk outdoors.” Dvora Corn — Loneliness has been a growing problem in the Western world over the past decade. The challenges of corona have exacerbated the demographic trends in the increased number of elderly (what has been termed the “Gray Tsunami”), with social isolation being the cause of many serious health problems ranging from depression to malnutrition and cognitive decline. While we want to support an older person’s need to feel a sense of dignity and autonomy, as concerned family members we want to monitor and take action if we see early signs of these sequelae. In such situations, an assessment by a professional who understands the needs of the elderly would be advised. Some older adults are hard of hearing and find it difficult to follow the understand someone wearing a facemask. Is there a solution? Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari — Remove the mask and keep your distance, more than 2 meters. Speak loudly and directly but be careful not to spit while doing so. Avoid shouting. Dr. Amnon Raviv — There are really small pocket amplifiers and microphones that can produce good volume that you can use. They will hear you loud and clear.
This article is an edited excerpt of an article that appeared on www.israel21c.org, where it may be read it in its entirety.
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COMING FACE TO FACE WITH FAMILY
Massachusetts Man Keeps Seniors Connected with iPads By Stacey Dresner
L
ike so many assisted living facilities across the country, the Jewish Healthcare Center (JHC) and its Eisenberg Assisted Living Center in Longmeadow, Massachusetts had been having trouble finding ways for residents to stay connected to their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. They tried Zoom and FaceTime meetings, even meetings in which residents on one side of the window chatted with family members on the other side using microphones. Then Al Tapper and his daughter Eve came along. Natives of Worcester, the Tappers wanted to give Eisenberg residents another option for communication. And so, in April, they donated 20 iPads to the assisted living center through the Tapper Charitable Foundation. “We are very fortunate that we have a foundation and we are able to donate to charitable organizations,” says Eve Tapper, who now lives in Newton. “My sister and I grew up in Worcester and my parents grew up in Worcester and met in high school. My [maternal] grandfather was at the Jewish Home when it was an orphanage. So, we have a very tight connection to Worcester, although none of us live there anymore. My
mother still has family there.” Father and daughter brainstormed about what organizations like Eisenberg might need during the COVID-19 crisis. They came up with iPads. That, they concluded, would help all the assisted living facilities residents, who were barred from leaving the facility or welcoming visitors, maintain their connection to loved ones. Eve called Steven Schimmel, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Central Mass., who brought Eisenberg Assisted Living Center into the mix. Just a few short days later, residents had 20 iPads in hand. David Price said that the iPads have been a welcome gift to Eisenberg residents. “The tablets have been great because they require minimal set up and can be used more flexibly in terms of time of day,” said Price. The Tapper Charitable Foundation spread their good will across several organizations, donating a total of 400 iPads to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Boston Medical Center and New YorkPresbyterian Cornell Medical Center. The iPads for the Boston Medical Center went to the maternity ward for new moms forced to give birth without their partners; and NY-
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Presbyterian medical professionals received tablets to double the amount of telehealth visits they facilitate. Each recipient organization will be able to use the tablets even after the coronavirus period, something that was important to the Tappers. Through his philanthropy, Al Tapper — who now resides in New York and Florida — has supported many Worcester projects over the years. And, in addition to his generosity, he has a creative spirit. A successful businessman, Tapper is also a Broadway composer, lyricist, playwright, and humorist. In 2014, he won the prestigious Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting for his 2013 documentary “Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy.” Schimmel credited the Tappers’ ingenuity for the speed and efficiency in which the donation was made. “We are accustomed to things taking a long time with planning meetings and difficulties that come up. But here we were, in the middle of one of the most complicated situations that any of us had ever been in in our lifetimes, and this was such a smooth operation. It all happened in the course of a week,” recalls Schimmel. “It’s beautiful when one of those things happens!”
Study: Older adults worry more for others than themselves By Brian Blum Older adults are significantly more worried about their family and friends during the current coronavirus crisis than they are about themselves, according to a new study of adults aged 60 and over conducted by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Prof. Galit Nimrod of BGU’s department of communications studies and Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Aging surveyed 407 older Internet users during the fourth week of the lockdown in Israel, mid-April. Nimrod asked how they felt about their current wellbeing, what they were anxious about, and how their Internet use had changed following the onset of the pandemic. The results showed that concern about health, finances and social isolation from the coronavirus ranked higher than the lockdown on older adults’ worry list. But their concern for family and friends was significantly higher than their concern about their own circumstances. Nimrod found, not surprisingly, that Internet use — especially Zoom, WhatsApp and Skype– had spiked dramatically for older adults. How those technologies are used, however, could either generate stress – when used for interpersonal communication and online errands – or enhance wellbeing, when used for leisure activities such as watching movies or taking online classes. Nimrod recommends that older adults spend less time video conferencing and more on online games, music, videos, classes, exercise and volunteering, which“may bring both distraction and satisfaction, even if they are not as enjoyable as elders’ normal routines.” The most amount of anxiety was exhibited by those already in ill health, those with less education, and immigrants to Israel. However, perhaps paradoxically given the greater risk for COVID-19 complications, the older the individual the lower the levels of anxiety reported, Nimrod said. The study was carried out under the auspices of the Ben-Gurion University’s Coronavirus Task Force. A similar report conducted in the United States by USC’s Dornsife Center for Economic and Social research found that, during the coronavirus crisis, 34% of adults aged 60 and over reported feeling anxious or nervous, increasing to 38% for older adults living alone. However, that was less than the rate reported for individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 – at 59%. This article is reprinted with permission of israel21c.org.
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HEBREW FUNERAL ASSOCIATION, INC. est. 1898 and MOLLOY FUNERAL HOME, est. 1909 Serving Greater Hartford for 4 generations Member Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA), Past-Presidents & Board Members of CFDA
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