This week’s State of Mind is written by Sharon Feinman, Division Director, AgeWell at the JCC
What does it truly mean to Age Well—and how do we, as a community, ensure that everyone thrives throughout every stage of life?
At AgeWell at the JCC, we explore these questions daily through our work, our relationships, and our commitment to innovation. Over the last several days, we celebrated Global Intergenerational Week—a meaningful opportunity to highlight programs that bring generations together. From Book Buddies, our reading program where members or our AgeWell program read with preschool classes in the Early Childhood Center, to our intergenerational Shabbat gatherings, we’ve seen firsthand the joy and understanding that comes from bridging age divides. These moments remind us that aging is not a solo journey—it’s one we walk together.
As we turn the corner into the month of May, we’re preparing to celebrate Older Americans Month, with this year’s national theme: “Flip the Script on Aging.” Throughout Allegheny County and at both of our AgeWell at the JCC locations, special events will showcase how aging can be reimagined through community, creativity, and care. We’ll be highlighting signature programs that inspire, and we’re always open to new ideas and passionate volunteers who want to help bring something fresh to the table.
We all have a stake in the future of aging—because we are all aging. When communities don’t invest in aging services, the ripple effects are felt by families, caregivers, and neighborhoods. That’s why our work extends far beyond our lunch program. It includes educational advocacy, lifelong learning, empowerment, and opportunities to delve into systemic change.
Over the past few weeks and in the weeks ahead, our team has been and will continue to be involved in major national efforts to ensure that the voices of our participants are heard and that the impact of our programs and services are able to continue in meaningful ways to support aging in place:
- USAging Policy Briefing & Hill Day: Focused on top policy priorities impacting older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities, including reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, appropriations for key aging programs, and federal updates on aging, caregiving, and health policy.
- American Society on Aging’s Annual Summit: Focus on Ageism & Culture, featuring keynote speakers and special events aimed at combating ageism in society, with the opportunity to connect, learn, and share expertise with thousands of professionals in the aging field.
- National Council on Aging’s Hill Day & Conference: A unique opportunity to discover innovative programs, network with colleagues, and gain inspiration to enhance services for older adults. Additionally, our AgeWell at the JCC staff will be meeting with members of Congress to ensure that programs and support for older adults remain top of mind during an organized Hill Day.
Thank you for continuing to be a part of this work. Whether you are a staff member delivering vital services, a volunteer or a community partner supporting our vision, your role matters. Let’s keep working together to flip the script—and show what aging can really look like.
Wishing you and your families a shabbat shalom,
Sharon Feinman
