Abstract:

The Jewish religious community should pay attention to current baby-boom generation trends & prepare for the generation's elderhood. Synagogue focus on youth will need to expand to address all ages. The baby boomers seek more spirituality in their religion than their parents did, & Judaism needs to address their search for meaning. Rabbis would benefit from more education on physical & mental aging, the relationship between aging & religious questions, & nursing home & hospital work. National conferences & congregational leadership can participate. Older Jewish adults can begin to advocate for themselves & request more social & spiritual programs. The connection between wisdom & age should be rediscovered.