SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 37
J
N
W
hen we look back at our
lives, many of us relish
our days in college, if
we were lucky enough to enjoy that
special educational experience.
Even if we weren’t so lucky, being
a lifelong learner
can keep us vital and
engaged even in our
later years.
Jewish Senior Life
of Metropolitan
Detroit (JSL) is
known for signature
programming
spanning a range of interests for
the older adults it serves in its six
residential communities on the
Jewish community campuses in
Oak Park and West Bloomfield.
However, CEO Nancy Heinrich
dreamed of creating a higher-level
learning experience for residents.
Understanding that geography
prevented JSL from replicating
older adult communities built on
university campuses across the
country, it occurred to her that,
with the help of some generous
funders and partnerships, she could
bring the university experience to
JSL.
With this goal in mind, JSL
has created a new program being
piloted at the Meer Apartments
Independent Living community
in West Bloomfield. Called Live
and Learn, this first-of-its-kind
initiative in our area aims to
enrich the lives of all residents
by enhancing social connections,
intellectual engagement and
overall wellness. It includes on-site
college-level courses and immersive
learning experiences offsite at
area museums, theaters and other
venues.
Supported by grants from
the Byron & Dorothy Gerson
Innovation Fund, the Marcia
Applebaum Jewish Older Adult
Enrichment Fund and the
Matthews Family Foundation, Live
and Learn has already been a huge
hit with the residents.
Wendy Handler, Live and
Learn consultant, is leading this
phenomenal pilot program. She
enjoys meaningful discussions with
Meer residents. “They continue
to be enthusiastic to participate
in this exciting program and have
so many ideas.” She went on to
explain, “Drawing on the extensive
resources of Southeast Michigan
and beyond, JSL has constructed
a dynamic curriculum designed
expressly to spark social connection
and intellectual stimulation
through a range of engaging
programs that reflect residents’
interests and generate the joy
and connection that comes from
learning with others.”
A full schedule of diverse classes
designed to accommodate a range
of interests and learning styles is a
cornerstone of JSL’s Live and Learn
pilot. In partnership with Oakland
University and its Program for
Adult Continuing Education and
other local professors and experts,
offerings will include lecture series,
speakers and events, study groups
and small-group discussions, along
with learning experiences and trips
to area destinations that reflect
the interests of the residents who
have enthusiastically provided their
input.
The Summer 2024 semester was
kicked off to an enthusiastic crowd
with an inaugural lecture by Dr.
Howard Lupovitch, professor of
history and director of the Cohn-
Haddow Center at Wayne State
University, titled “The Jewish
Community of Metro Detroit since
1967: New Perspectives.”
July and August sessions
included classes on “Democracy in
America” presented by Prof. Dave
Dulio, distinguished professor of
political science and director of
the Center for Civic Engagement
at Oakland University; a trip to
the Detroit Historical Museum
for the special exhibit “In the
Neighborhood: Everyday Life on
Hastings Street;” Jewish Music
101: Sounds and Significance,
presented by Prof. Lorry Black,
former associate director of the
Lowell Milken Fund for American
Jewish Music at UCLA and a
percussionist, pedagogue and
Jewish music specialist.
Classes take place at the Hilda
Fortgang Union at the Meer
Apartments and typically consist of
two lectures a week over a period
of a month.
CEO Nancy Heinrich shared her
compelling thoughts at JSL’s annual
board meeting this past June:
“The landscape for older adult
living is changing rapidly as baby
boomers age and housing options
become increasingly differentiated.
Jewish Senior Life is dedicated to
remaining the most compelling
senior housing option available
for the next generation of Detroit’s
Jewish community.
“The Live and Learn Community
pilot at Meer Apartments will help
to ensure JSL appeals to this cohort
that seeks connection, community
involvement, lifelong learning,
enhanced lifestyle and purpose.
“Throughout the pilot, JSL will
study Live and Learn outcomes
and adjust accordingly, with
the intention of expanding the
model to other JSL communities
as appropriate and feasible.
Considering this long-term
commitment, JSL is grateful to
the greater Detroit community for
foundational support of this unique
initiative.”
Jo Strausz Rosen is the executive director of
development, Jewish Senior Life.
Live and Learn
Jo Strauss
Rosen
ESSAY
Oakland University Political
Science Professor Dave
Duliio presented sessions on
“Democracy in America.”