ORTHODONTICS Aging from page 36 Spiritual Component Cole explains that aging American Jews, making up more than 50 percent of congregational membership, are often shaped by the American dream of health and wealth. Many are likely to participate in the anti-aging vision. In addition, retirement from work for some often models retirement from the covenant. "What is absent is the essence of a spirit as we age'," explains Cole. "Contemporary Judaism lacks a persua- sive vision of the good life for the elder- ly as leisure clubs and events become the main points for engagement. Yet, Jews belong to a covenant from which they cannot retire; the problem is they do not know how to live covenantally in later life:" About 200 people in Adat Shalom's main sanctuary listened as Cole asked "How should Jews think about anti- aging enhancements?" He explained that for some older Jews, the synagogue provides an impor- tant source of identity and social sup- port; often there are elders with a life- long commitment to the covenant who have leadership roles in congregations. "On the other hand, many older Jews are detached from the tradition and do not feel its moral demands, sources of identity and comfort:' says Cole. "At the same time, our culture squeezes older people into the roles of patient, con- sumer or retiree, undermining a more complete role of moral responsibility:' "As Jews we should ask, "What does God require of me?" Joomer Role Cole continued: "There is much writ- ten about the responsibility of adult children caring for their parents, but what do older parents owe their adult children? What kinds of blessing can those who are dying give to their loved ones? How can older Jews prepare themselves to participate actively in their own dying? For instance, living as an exemplary Jewish elder may mean Torah study, finding meaningful forms of worship, visiting the sick and caring for grandchildren. These are urgent issues considering the baby boom gen- eration is becoming the young old and will soon be the old." Cole believes that longer enhanced living focused on individualism and control may contribute to a spiritual breakdown in which older people may not become more spiritually and mor- ally developed. On the other hand, the Jewish concept of shomer, or caretaker, provides a model for dedicating our- selves to stewardship of our bodies in the service of God. "In traditional Judaism, we don't own our bodies — they belong to God:' explains Cole. "Therefore, the duty to care for our bodies can be understood as a duty to the Owner of the body. Keeping the concept of shomer in mind while working toward an authentic Jewish vision of later life, anti-aging medicine may be useful if it enhances one's service to God rather than solely for an individual's quest for unlimited health and wealth." Guyer, co-chair of the event, says that studying medical issues and shar- ing experiences with other physicians has helped the members of this group understand the opportunities and issues of health care within the Jewish environment. "We are especially fortunate for the help of Adat Shalom's own Rabbi Herbert Yoskowitz who serves as our guide in the Jewish context based on his interest and training in Jewish eth- ics:" ADULTS & CHILDREN Steven M. Lash, DDS, MS Rebecca L. Rubin, DMD, MS 248-851-7272 6177 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, Michigan www.lashorthodontics.com American Association of Orthodontists 1197860 MARGARITA MADt: IN Fftuf * PRA N A P "4 T. z 0 S- C) Audience Response • Dennis Phillips, age 69, of Southfield wanted to learn how to age well. "I found Dr. Cole's com- ments very helpful," said Phillips, a practicing dentist. "My wife recently died and we have a learning-disabled adult child. I've accepted the fact that as I age, I've now become his mother." • Lori Koploy, age 44, of West Bloomfield said the seminar intro- duced her to a new way of thinking about aging. "Several of my clients are over 70 years old," said Koploy, a personal fitness trainer, and I can better appreciate their efforts to remain healthy." IsRALL * FASHIONS FOR PEACE * Af3430 Urf •P- 0 == "Currently, no intervention has proved to slow or stop human aging and some are actually dangerous:' con- tinues Cole. The problem is that although most biomedical technologies are developed for therapeutic purposes, once avail- able, their purposes quickly extend. Ethical problems result when these technologies, which may alter the work- ings of body and mind are attractive not only to the sick and suffering but to those who want to look younger, per- form better, feel happier and become more perfect. rn Caren Paskel, yoga instructor at Yoga Sheller wearing Margarita- made in Israel -A • Blue tg, 3 3 an • . t - 0 8 Yoga Wear & Essentials For Women & Men Yoga practice clothing, mat bags, non-slip terry cloth mats, eye pillows, meditation cushions, yoga sculptures, candles, body lotion, home diffusers, accessories & more!! 32644 Franklin Rd. Downtown Franklin STORE HOURS: Monday 12-4 (Old Gift People Building) Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 248.737.7300 * 1\ Oil IAN j I I 1110StIV :Id Z10.I * ft*/ 1 i 1 '?1 !:4 NI RI\ tv IPIV 92R) 01 May 31 • 2007 39