Federation Voices

When Jewish agencies join forces to promote healthy aging, everyone wins.

Aging in Atlanta wears many faces:

• A 62-year-old man has Parkinson’s disease. Despite the tremors, his mind is sharp. He and his wife are looking for interesting, accessible social activities because he no longer drives or plays tennis.
• A daughter cares for her mother at home, and feels the weight of it all. She’s depressed, anxious, and worries about managing Mom’s finances.
• A 90-year-old woman moves to a nursing home and mourns her loss of independence. Legally blind due to macular degeneration, she’s having a hard time dealing with the transition.

All of these people can now find support and resources at AgeWell Atlanta, a robust informational website that unites the aging services of Jewish Family & Career Services, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, and Jewish Home Life Communities.

Planned and funded with help from Federation, AgeWell Atlanta targets both caregivers and older adults themselves, with a goal to break down the silos between agencies that serve them.

Here in Atlanta, America’s number one most-rapidly-aging city, Jewish Atlanta has taken a digital leap forward with AgeWell Atlanta. “More than a response to illness, crisis and infirmity, this is a proactive portal, rich with information, activities and inspiration,” says Deborah Zisholtz, Director of AVIV Older Adult Services at JF&CS. “When agencies see themselves as being on the same team, everyone wins.”