10 | JULY 13 • 2023
PURELY COMMENTARY
guest column
JSL and ‘The Power of Purpose’
W
e named the theme
for this year’s
Jewish Senior
Life (JSL) Annual Meeting
The Power of Purpose. What
do we mean by
The Power of
Purpose? At JSL,
it’s when staff
and residents
are engaged
in meaningful
activities that
allow our minds,
bodies and souls to connect
to each other and the world in
really important ways.
Everyone needs a reason to
get up in the morning, a job to
earn a living, a pet that needs
walking, a spouse, a parent or
children who need care. We
can’t forget to take time and
care for ourselves. At times,
we all consider what our pur-
pose is. Just do something!
It turns out, purpose is
extremely important to our
physical, mental and emotion-
al health. It’s that big. That
makes it important for each of
us to take the time and make
the effort to discover our
purpose. Researcher William
Damon, who wrote A Path
to Purpose, says it’s “a stable
and generalized intention to
accomplish something that is
at the same time meaningful
to the self and consequential
for the world beyond the self.”
Damon says that “meaning-
ful intention can help us stay
focused on the things that mat-
ter most — like family, friends,
faith, career, a cause and even
more.” It helps us to prioritize
our lives — allowing us to walk
away from certain people or
activities that don’t serve our
purpose. It’s a main driver to
stay motivated when things get
tough, so we can set and meet
short and long-term goals. And
maybe most of all, it makes us
feel like we are making a posi-
tive difference in the world.
I often see the JSL campus
residents who are dog owners
dutifully walking them out-
doors year-round, in all kinds
of weather. Near my office, sev-
eral geese families have taken
up residence in our natural
areas, walking their goslings.
Sometimes I can see the smiles
in the eyes of human and even
in animal faces.
The things that make rela-
tionships and activity pur-
poseful are different for every-
one. It could be our work,
learning a new skill, mean-
ingful volunteer experiences,
doing something physical
outdoors, reading or engaging
in the arts. These activities are
satisfying. The feeling of mak-
ing a difference leads to good
health and longevity.
BUILDING SELF-WORTH
We are called upon to take care
of ourselves and each other.
Activities build our sense of
self-worth and give us a rea-
son to live. Spending time
on an activity we enjoy can
improve our mental health and
well-being. In fact, people with
hobbies may be less likely to
experience stress, low moods
and depression symptoms.
Activities that get us out of
our homes can make us feel
happier and more relaxed.
Group activities like a family
game night, team sports or
puzzles with friends, even
solving the New York Times’
Spelling Bee puzzle, all can
improve our relationships with
others and make us happier
and healthier. Time shared
with others is health food for
the soul.
The staff at JSL are busy,
helpful, often exhausted. But
they are satisfied. This comes
from having something regu-
lar and life-affirming work to
do, connecting and working
with others, and feeling good
about contributing and mak-
ing a difference. Whatever our
interests are, there is sure to be
something out there to do.
What matters is that it’s an
activity we find meaningful
and enjoyable. It might take
time to find the right one, but
it’s important to start. Just do
something purposeful.
Meaningful intention can
help us stay focused on the
things that matter most. And
maybe most of all, it makes
us feel like we are making a
difference — working toward
tikkun olam — repairing the
world.
Jo Strausz Rosen is executive director
of development at Jewish Senior Life.
This article first appeared in the JSL
Shabbat Shalom Weekly News and
Updates Newsletter.
Jo Strausz
Rosen
Hechtman resident, Peggy, with her pup,
Kirby, who brings her great joy and ensures
she stays active walking him and caring for
all of his needs.
JSL Dream
Cruise