When 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 its 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 their 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.
Recent July and upcoming August sessions include:
- 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
- A Short Story Seminar: Family Dynamics presented by Prof. Jennifer Gilchrist, former Professor, English Literature at Hunter College in New York City
- News & Misinformation: Finding Accurate, Reliable Information in Today’s Age, presented by Prof. Katie Greer, the Fine/Performing Arts Librarian and Professor at Oakland University Libraries
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 which 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.”
