Table of Contents
The Challenge of Isolation in Aging
Opportunities to Stay Connected
Additional Tools for Engagement and Support
The Challenge of Isolation in Aging
Social isolation is a growing concern for many people in Jewish Cleveland today, but it can be especially challenging for older adults. Isolation can lead to loneliness, which is a major contributor to serious physical and mental health risks.
For example, research shows that socially isolated older adults have heightened risks of heart disease and stroke, dementia and cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety.
And it’s not only older adults who suffer from isolation and loneliness, but also their family caregivers. These individuals struggle to balance providing care with their other responsibilities, while having limited access to support or respite.
Powered by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Access Jewish Cleveland’s Aging Well is an information and referral line and a website that consolidates resources for older adults across Jewish Cleveland. Through its Active Lifestyle resources, Aging Well aims to help combat isolation by providing easy access to a wide range of social programs.
Opportunities to Stay Connected
These programs include:
Mandel JCC Primetime Wellness Club
- Twice each month, older adults gather at the Mandel JCC for the Primetime Wellness Club — a welcoming program that brings people together to stay active, engaged, and connected. Participants enjoy guided movement, a nutritious lunch, and a variety of interactive activities designed to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. More than just a wellness program, Primetime Wellness Club fosters meaningful friendships and a sense of community, creating opportunities for older adults to learn, laugh, and thrive together.
- The Mandel JCC provides programming and transportation to its Beachwood campus for adults 60 and older who want to connect with peers and socialize.
- The program features Kosher lunch and midday programming, including exercise classes, speakers, bingo, discussion groups, and live entertainment.
- The men’s club meets every Monday at the Mandel JCC, except for holidays.
- In addition to socializing, members can hear from guest speakers and participate in member-led discussions.
Bikur Cholim Gila Social Program
- A monthly program for senior women who gather for a lecture or entertainment over lunch, with transportation provided to and from the venue.
Jewish Family Service Association’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Support Program
- The JFSA program provides information and referrals about services, including home care, companion care, adult day support, or assisted living. The program also aids in creating and managing a plan of care that can provide time for caregivers to take a break from their responsibilities.
Jewish Family Service Association’s Caring at Home: Holocaust Survivor Services and Programs
- The program provides Holocaust survivors with a range of support services, including specially trained volunteers who provide social companionship, bi-weekly drop-in social opportunities, arts and culture outings, weekly online activities, and holiday celebrations.
Jewish Federation of Cleveland Community Options
- The program provides the necessary support and services for older adults to continue to live independently in two apartment buildings in Cleveland. This includes access to transportation.
- Residents are able to socialize at programs, including birthday party celebrations, off-site trips, game nights, movie nights, card games, and Luncheons.
Case Western Reserve University’s Laura and Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning Program
- The program provides educational opportunities for older adults. Those educational programs include:
- Short courses in Hebrew language, Biblical history, Jewish thought, history, music, art, and literature, Holocaust education, and analysis of current events.
- Lectures and special programs with Jewish Studies scholars and thought leaders from across the globe.
- Continuing Professional Studies
Jewish Federation of Cleveland Jewish Volunteer Network
- The network provides a range of volunteer opportunities for different age groups.
- These opportunities are based on the values of chesed (kindness), tzedek (righteousness and justice), and tikkun olam (making the world a better place).
- The Jewish Education Center of Cleveland program is a network for adults aged 55 and older to engage in learning, living, and community.
- The programs include a focus on Jewish culture, heritage, values, and learning.
- Participants also have the opportunity to embrace grandparenting, sharing their experiences and bonding with their grandchildren through Jewish activities.
Additional Tools for Engagement and Support
The Aging Well and Access Jewish Cleveland webpages also feature a Community Calendar, accessible from the button bar at the top of each page, which lists upcoming public events taking place throughout the Jewish community. The calendar offers older adults and caregivers an easy way to discover activities, participate in community life, and explore new opportunities to stay connected and reduce social isolation.
Aging Well is not just about providing information about resources. It is also about letting older adults know that they are not alone, said senior associate of Aging Well, Atara Engel.
“If the work that we’re doing has an impact on decreasing those feelings and supporting older adults so that they know that the community cares for them, I think then we’ve achieved something very special. It’s definitely meaningful to be a part of that.”
Our goal is to continue to improve this resource to better meet your needs. Not sure which option is the best fit for you? We’re here to help.
