Executive Director’s Editorial

Michael Garlin Living to 100

Yes, I am now a member of AARP. They have been marketing and marketing and marketing membership to me for more than 10 years, since my 40’s (how dare they market me for AARP in my 40’s). I finally broke down in my late 50’s - I JOINED. I just couldn’t say no to joining the largest nonprofit interest group in the United States focusing on issues affecting those over the age of 50. Now for members under 50 (just as an FYI 50 comes quickly), and then, OH MY 60, just a few years away for me.

In the September issue of AARP Magazine, there is an article called the “Best Ways to Beat the Odds.” I buttered up a bagel and brewed my favorite coffee this past weekend and I delved in to see what I could learn. What odds am I going to beat? They want to share with me how to cheat death (for a while anyway), outsmart crooks (most of the time), avoid catastrophes and a whole lot more. I am so excited. To my amazement, there it was, an entire quarter of a page on my odds of living to 100 if you’re in your 50s. A 30 second read and there are only three items on the list. Let’s do it.

1) Head to a city – 85% of centenarians live in cities; better access to medical care, social networks, culturally stimulating activities and transportation systems. Yes, I live in Northbrook, however I consider us a neighborhood of Chicago as I check off the box to my first learning point, live in a city. Yahoo, I’m on my way to 100.

2) Hang with your peeps. If you know me, this is so easy. 87% of centenarians communicate nearly every day with a friend or family member. This is so critical to those that live alone and critical that we continue our conversations with those that we love, care about and most of all people that make us smile. If you know me, I don’t stop talking. I can’t imagine I won’t someday be the President of my Homeowners Association or overseeing my condo building hopefully somewhere warm. I am checking off Box # 2. 3) Finally, to my amazement, engage your spiritual side. Attending religious services four times per month has been linked with four to 14 years of increased life expectancy. In interviews conducted by National Geographic, 258 out of 263 centenarians belonged to faith-based communities. I can’t check off that box. Hmmm, I need to figure out why as this should be a no brainer, I am here 6-7 days per week. I have many roadblocks, excuses, and my job that really stops me from attending. However, like many of you, my biggest excuse is time. Excuses include my day off each week is Saturday, I have 2 to 3 evening meetings each week and when we are short people to make a Minyan, I am always willing to step-in, however, once they have ten I head back to my office to get more work done. When I do attend services, I am usually there to work and take care of what needs to be done in the moment. However, why can’t I be there for me, just 4 times per month? 100 sounds like such a great number.

My New Year’s goal is to attend 4 times per month; however I need your help. Maybe I should wear a special name tag during my 4 times per month for everyone to see, “I am here to pray today, I am here to be spiritually connected, talk to me on Monday with synagogue business.” I really want to check off that box for 4 times per month and live to 100.

I can find one Saturday morning each month for me to become spiritually connected. I also love meeting some of the most amazing CBS congregants. Sitting at Kiddush with someone you don’t know and learning about someone else’s life can be a tremendous experience. Meeting amazing people, hearing amazing stories and increasing my life expectancy with a little prayer and tuna works for me.

Minyan, I’m already here and I know in the Feather Beit Midrash NO ONE talks to me, especially if I am sitting up front. I can do it at least once per week and according to my clergy it is a mitzvah for others. Count me in to live to 100, count me in to get spiritually connected and most of all count me in for improving my odds in living to 100.