Jack Adelman, a seasoned golfer from Windsor, competes in the putt-putt event. Jewish Senior Life resident Netti Stein, 92, launches a perfect Spectator and participant Rose Bernard "Bernie" Friedman from Oak Park tosses shot through the hoop at the Jewish Senior Life Olympic games. Breitberg cheers on participants. horseshoes. JSL Senior Olympics keeps octogenarians active and spirited. Allison Batdorff Special to the Jewish News T he crowd cheered enthusiastically as Stanley Prenzlauer launched yet another lawn dart smack-dab into the target ring — this time with his eyes closed. Pompoms shook, and the crowd went wild. This month's Jewish Senior Life's Senior Olympics were games of the heart, cel- ebrating older adults for their stamina and grit — and in Prenzlauer's case — physical prowess. "I'm no athlete, I assure you:' Prenzlauer says, but his modesty is lost among claps and congratulations in the atrium at JS1:s Fleischman Residence/Blumberg Plaza in West Bloomfield where the weeklong event was held. Prenzlauer is 82 years old. Hilda Silverman is this year's oldest Olympian at 28 June 20 • 2013 age 101. Most other participants are some- where in between those ages. "Our agency speaks to the needs and interests of all we serve:' says Carol Rosenberg, director, Jewish Senior Life Foundation. "Older adults have varied interests and abilities, and every single day we celebrate all of that and more with unique programs, services and creative activities in our residences and throughout the community" This year's JSL games ran June 3-7; events included wheelchair-friendly games like darts, beanbag toss, bocce and horse- shoes. Jack Adelman, a seasoned golfer from Windsor, Canada, mopped up on the putt- putt challenge, although he insists partici- pating is more about fun then victory. "It's a people-pleaser," he says. "No matter if you win or lose at the activities, everyone is still very happy:' The games showcase the energy and effort of JSL residents, who participate with a range of abilities, says Mary Blowers, programming coordinator, Fleischman Residence/Blumberg Plaza. Often, people don't realize that staying physically active promotes wellness and healthier lives, Blowers added. "People can surprise their friends and themselves:' Blowers says. "When they see each other do these kinds of things, they cheer each other on and socialize, and it builds that necessary sense of community that makes our residences a true home:' Rose Breitberg loves competitive sport activities. She plays horseshoes and has a lot of fun being as physically active as pos- sible. "Keeping busy is a great way to get through life:' Breitberg says. "I think it's wonderful that they do this for us:' Helen Eizelman says. "It really makes us feel young again. A lot of us live on memories here, so this is really some- thing:' Nettie Stein, 92, of Oak Park decided to try her hand at an aiming challenge where you stand a couple feet away from a hula- hoop and throw pool noodles through the hoop. She aced it, letting out a whoop that was echoed by her friends. You're never too old to learn something new or have a little fun, says Bernard "Bernie" Friedman of Oak Park, a World War II Navy veteran who does art in his spare time. "Some people excel with their past expe- rience and some people are still learning, but everybody is having fun:' Friedman says. ❑ Allison Batdorff is assistant publicist at Your People LLC. Zoe Hu and Michael Hnatiuk contributed to this article.