Conejo Valley, CA- January 2025 : simplebooklet.com

Spring session: Feb 11 - May 29, 2025Every Tue. & Thu. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.at Cal State University of Northridge (CSUN)(888) 502-6795www.iugo.world/ pi-labDownload our brochureMeet our program directoriwπLL = Inﬁnite PossibilitiesImagine your 6-12th grader thriving in a personalized learning environment, where they receive dedicated attention and support tailored to their unique needs and goals. They'll gain a competitive edge with one-on-one tutoring in core subjects and AP courses from experienced teachers, while developing essential social skills through collaborative projects with like-minded peers. Students have the opportunity to explore their passions and future career paths with guidance from caring academic and career counselors. They'll even have the option to gain invaluable real-world experience through our internship and volunteer programs in their eld of interest.Enroment Now OpenSpaces are limitedIugo World Pi Learning LabIn-person Learning Lab for Ages 12 - 18 Spaces are limitediugo.world

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It’s here! 2025 unfolds before us, – a fresh chapter in our ongoing story, teeming with possibility and the promise of fresh beginnings. Here at Iugo World Living and Learning, we're embracing the spirit of hygge – that cozy feeling of warmth, connection, and contentment – as we embark on this journey of discovery. This year, we invite you to join us in moving beyond the often-ﬂeeting resolutions of January. Instead, forget those ﬂeeting new year's resolutions and explore how small, meaningful changes that help "recalibrate our inner compass" and lead to a more fulﬁlling, persevering and balanced life. For those navigating the complexities of parenthood, we offer guidance on how to Let Your Teen Chart Their Course. This article explores the delicate balance between providing support and fostering independence, emphasizing the importance of open communication and trust as teenagers navigate the exciting yet challenging path to adulthood. From the young to the wise, you are sure to ﬁnd inspiration in the remarkable story of A Centenarian Thrives Living Alone, Active and Engaged. This testament to the power of resilience, an active lifestyle, and a continued zest for life reminds us that age is no barrier to living fully and embracing every moment.I truly hope you enjoy these stories, and encourage you to share your thoughts, experiences, and hopes for the year ahead, so that we can create a truly vibrant community where we can learn, grow, and inspire one another throughout the year ahead. As we turn the page on this new year, may we all embrace the words of the poet Rainer Maria Rilke: "And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.”From all of us at iugo World Living and Learning, we wish you a year ﬁlled with warmth, joy, and wonder.The Conejo Valley EditionLearning & Living Magazine PUBLISHER / EDITORWindy FamaASSOCIATE EDITORMai TranCONTRIBUTING WRITERSSamantha CruzSofia NguyenADVERTISING DIRECTORLori Carreselori@iugoworld.orgIUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING MAGAZINE1968 S. Coast Hwy Ste. 2359Laguna Beach, CA 92651Tel: (888) 502-6795iugo.world/magazine PRODUCED BYIugo World LLCLiving well through educationIugo in Latin /pronounced you-go/ means to bind together, to connectIugo World Learning & Living Magazine (IWLL) is a multi-generational publication dedicated to empowering parents, students, homeschoolers, and seniors with educational tools and resources that support their journey toward growth and personal fulfillment. We are committed to delivering valuable, high-quality content that encourages genuine connection and transformation.By Windy FamaEditor and Co-founder, Iugo WorldA FRESH CHAPTER BEFORE USiugoworldIUGOWORLD

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Hygge is the Danish concept creating a life that emphasizes coziness, connection, and appreciation for the present moment. It's about creating an atmosphere of warmth and well-being, both internally and in your surroundings. This January, why not embrace the hygge spirit and create a haven of warmth and contentment in your own life? Here are a few ideas to get you started:Embrace the HyggeBy Samantha Cruz(pronounced "hyoo-guh")Hygge is the Danish concept of creating a life that emphasizes coziness, connection, and appreciation for the present moment. It's about creating an atmosphere of warmth and well-being, both internally and in your surroundings. This January, why not embrace the hygge spirit and create a haven of warmth and contentment in your own life? Here are the hygge cornerstones to get started.Embrace the HyggeBy Samantha Cruz(pronounced "hyoo-guh")(pronounced "hyoo-guh")Embrace the Hygge06 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING | JAN 2025 Enjoy the Simple Enjoy the Simple

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The air in the living room became thick with the clash of parental ambition and silent teenage resistance. Victoria and Adam, both 14, sat to either side of their mom, as the four of us attempted to brainstorm what homeschooling high school would look like. Mom was rattling off the usual checklist: "AP classes... extracurriculars… SAT scores..." As she went on, I glanced over at Victoria, a quiet observer in this parental monologue. Her eyes, usually bright and quick, had hardened as she fought that primal teen urge to roll her eyes into next week. Adam had disconnected sometime before the four of us even sat down.It was a familiar scene I've experienced throughout my career in education: this well-intentioned parental push towards the "right" path that concluded with the golden ticket of a college degree and a bright future. Victoria and Adam's silence spoke volumes. “It was time”, I thought. We needed a dose of reality into this one-sided conversation, so I asked the twins what interests they have.Victoria was startled by the question while Adam enthusiastically blurted out, “I wanna get paid to travel.” The dynamics of this meeting are not unique. Victoria and Adam are part of a quiet Rethinking "Success" in Education: Challenge conventional measures of academic achievement. Discuss the importance of well-rounded development, including creativity, resilience, and collaboration.Education & EnrichmentLetting Your Teen Chart Their CourseBy Windy Fama he air in the living room became thick with the clash of parental ambition and silent teenage resistance. Victoria and Adam, both 14, sat to either side of their mom, as the four of us attempted to brainstorm what homeschooling high school would look like. Mom was rattling off the usual checklist: "AP classes... extracurriculars… SAT scores..." As she went on, I glanced over at Victoria, a quiet observer in this parental monologue. Her eyes, usually bright and quick, had hardened as she fought that primal teen urge to roll her eyes into next week. Adam had disconnected sometime before the four of us even sat down.It was a familiar scene I've experienced throughout my career in education: this well-intentioned parental push towards the "right" path that concluded with the golden ticket of a college degree and a bright future. Victoria and Adam's silence spoke volumes. "It was time," I thought. We needed a dose of reality into this one-sided conversation, so I asked the twins what interests they had. Victoria was startled by the question while Adam enthusiastically blurted out, "I wanna get paid to travel."The dynamics of this meeting are not unique. Victoria and Adam are part of a quiet Trenaissance reshaping the outdated, post-high school "go to college, get a job, retire at 65" status quo that's been force-fed to generations. After all, they are the most digitally native generation, having never known a world without smartphones and the internet. Their constant connectivity exposes them to (what was once?) the unconventional paths of success like the YouTubers of mass engagement and the digital nomads working remotely from exotic locations. These examples, for better or worse, inﬂuence their understanding of what success can look like and contribute to the desire for a life that prioritizes their interests and passion, freedom, and purpose over traditional notions of stability and the climb up the corporate ladder.On the other hand, let's be honest, teenagers don't always have a crystal-clear vision of their future, and even when they do, those interests can shift and evolve like the tides. This uncertainty, coupled with the fact that the wrong environment can stiﬂe even the most promising talents, makes it crucial that, as parents, we explore alternatives to a one-size-ﬁts-all path and help our kids navigate the landscape of possibilities by providing not only the tools and support they 08 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING | JAN 2025

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Education & EnrichmentEducation & Enrichmentneed, but also encouragement to discover their calling.This in no way dismisses the value of a college education. Not only do careers requiring specialized certiﬁcations and licensure require rigorous academic preparation, but the ﬁrst two years of general education requirements (GEs) offer opportunities for the student to explore ﬁelds of possible interests before committing to a major. But the truth is, countless fulﬁlling and impactful careers exist in every ﬁeld that don't demand a traditional four-year degree and are equally rewarding intrinsically as well as ﬁnancially.Certainly, there is no cookie-cutter approach to success, much less one vision of what it looks like, and although it may be our parental instinct to gear them towards a more traditional or familiar path, the greatest freedom we can afford our children is to let them deﬁne success on their own terms.Where Do They Want to Go?Engaging in meaningful dialogue with our children about their aspirations at different stages and moments of their lives helps them to not only discover, but also visualize their values and goals, which is foundational for ﬁnding individual purpose and direction.A 2022 survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) revealed that a lack of purpose or direction in life may be a signiﬁcant contributing factor to the high levels of mental health concerns among young adults. Over half of the young adults surveyed reported lacking meaning or purpose in their lives, and half indicated that their mental health was negatively affected by "not knowing what to do with my life."Where Are They At?Providing our ki ds with ample opportunities to explore and develop their interests (What do I like?), talents (What am I good at?) and skills (What can I do?) during middle school and high school (if not much sooner!) helps them recognize their strengths, as well as areas for growth and improvement, so that they get a realistic understanding of where they're at. Identifying areas for improvement isn't a negative reﬂection by any means. On the contrary, it's an essential part of successfully sustaining lifelong learning and self-development throughout our lives.(Continued)The greatest freedom we can afford our children is to encourage them to define success on their own terms. 09 JAN 2025 | IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING

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iugoworldHow Can They Get There?This is where the real work begins. Start by addressing the elephant in the room: What challenges and limitations stand between your child and their dreams? (Think speciﬁc classes or workshops, certiﬁcations, tools, ﬁnancial resources, expert support, dedication, time commitment, etc.). It might seem daunting to have your child make a list of challenges and limitations, but remember how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time! By identifying each challenge individually, you can help your child ﬁnd the speciﬁc actions and resources needed to overcome it. This will transform roadblocks into stepping-stones and lay out the course for a successful journey."The sky's the limit" is encouraging, but without the planning, tools, and resources to reach those heights, we're just setting them up for disappointment.Evidence supports that parental involvement plays a crucial role in helping teens visualize their purpose and goals. Ultimately, this journey of self-discovery belongs to our children. Our role is to provide support and guidance by asking questions and actively listening, rather than dictating the path. By letting them lead the conversation, express their aspirations, and identify their own challenges, we empower them to take ownership of their future and allow their purpose to take shape. It's their adventure, and they need to be in the driver's seat, with the support of knowing we're along for the ride. After a lively chat with Adam about what “getting paid to travel” looks like for him, Victoria reveals that her grandmother's battle with Alzheimer's has made her want to ﬁnd a cure. This is comfortable territory for me. I look straight ahead at mom and say, “Let's do this!”This month’s free download: Charting Their Course: A Teen's Workbook for Planning a Purposeful FutureGift A Symbol of HopeHandmade & Personalized to OrderContzashop at Etsy.com10 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING | JAN 2025

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The Year of Giving Back: Inspire readers to make a diﬀerence in their communities. Feature stories of local heroes, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support local organizations. Bridging the Generational Divide: Encourage intergenerational connections and understanding. Oﬀer ideas for bringing diﬀerent age groups together through shared activities, mentorship programs, and community projects.CommunityThe fascinating article by Jyoti Madhusoodanan about understanding our bias, opens by recalling how researchers teased out the deep-rooted nature of human bias simply by distributing red shirts and blue shirts to groups of 3- to 5-year-olds at a day care center. In one classroom, teachers were asked to divide children into groups based on the color of their shirts. In another, teachers were instructed to overlook the shirt colors. After three weeks, children in both classrooms tended to prefer being with classmates who wore the same color as t hemselv es—no matter what the teachers did.This simple experiment reveals a profound truth about human nature: we have a natural inclination to favor those we perceive as belonging t o o u r o w n " t r i b e . " T h i s preference, which forms early in life, can shape our choices and interactions throughout our lives, often in ways we don't even realize.In her article, the author explores the implicit bias and discovers how these hidden preferences can influence everything from our friendships to our professional lives. She stays clear of pointing fingers or assigning blame and instead offers an encouraging and insightful look at how we can understand and overcome our biases to create a more just and inclusive environment.T h i n k b a c k t o y o u r childhood. Remember how easily you learned to distinguish between colors, shapes, and animals? Well, it turns out that we also learn to categorize Just because we have biases doesn't mean we're stuck with them.BEYONDBIASExploring A Journey Towards Overcoming Prejudices with Jyoti Madhusoodanan* people in much the same way. As Madhusoodanan explains, "Even as we learn to sort shapes and colors and distinguish puppies from kittens, we also learn to categorize people on the basis of traits they seem to share." We might associate certain traits with people who resemble our family members or caregivers, or we might u n c o n s c i o u s l y a b s o r b stereotypes from our culture and environment. For example, "We might associate women who resemble our nannies, mothers, or grandmothers with nurturing or doing domestic labor. Or following centuries of *Originally published in OpenMindmag.org as part of a series supported by the Pulitzer 13 JANUARY 2025 | IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING

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Black man's conviction for heroin distribution and the 10-year p r i s o n s e n t e n c e h e received in part because the Detroit federal judge who handed down the original verdict admitted, 'This guy looks like a criminal to me.'"The good news is that we're not powerless in the face of these challenges. While traditional diversity training programs may have limited success in changing deeply ingrained biases, there's growing evidence that we can reshape our implicit attitudes by changing our environment and experiences.Think of it like this: our brains are constantly learning and adapting. Just as we can learn a new language or skill, we can also learn to see the w o r l d i n a n e w w a y. B y exposing ourselves to diverse perspectives and challenging our own assumptions, we can start to rewire our brains and r e d u c e t h e i n f l u e n c e o f unconscious bias. One reason Just because we have biases doesn't mean we're stuck with them.racism, segregation, and e n t r e n c h e d c u l t u r a l stereotypes, we might perceive dark-skinned men as more dangerous than others."The se earl y forme d biases can be surprisingly persistent. They're like sticky notes in our minds, influencing our thoughts and actions even when we're not aware of them. Kristin Pauker, a psychology researcher at the University of Hawaii, explains this by saying, "Biases are 'sticky' because they rely on this very fundamental thing that we all do. We naturally categorize things, and we want to have a positivity associated with the groups we're in.” These associations become mental shortcuts, "logical shortcuts that help us make quick decisions when navigating the world," but they can also lead to "often illogical attractions and revulsion, like red shirts versus blue shirts."But here's the good news: just because we have biases doesn't mean we're s t u c k w i t h t h e m . B y understanding how implicit bias works, we can start to c h a l l e n g e t h e s e h i d d e n preferences and create positive change. Madhusoodanan highlights the importance of recognizing the impact of i m p l i c i t b i a s . W h e n w e stereotype individuals based on g e n d e r, r a c e , o r o t h e r characteristics, it can lead to unfair treatment and missed opportunities. For example, women may face a wage gap due to unconscious biases about their capabilities, and people of color may experience discrimination in housing or employment. As Anthony G r e e n w a l d , a s o c i a l psychologist, notes, "These biases are operating on huge numbers of people repetitively over time. The effects of implicit biases accumulate to have g r e a t i m p a c t . ” Madhusoodanan provides a stark example of this: "Earlier this year (in 2023), for instance, an appeals court overturned a 14 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING | JAN 2025

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these biases are so ingrained is that "we begin to form these mental associations even before we can express a thought." Madhusoodanan explains how this happens: "Brain-imaging studies have found that six-month-old babies can identify individual monkey faces as well as individual humans. Just a dozen weeks later, nine-month-old babies retain the ability to identify human faces but begin to group all the m o n k e y f a c e s t o g e t h e r generically as just 'monkey,' losing the ability to spot individual features. Shortly after, babies begin to group human faces by race and ethnicity."Madhusoodanan points to several encouraging studies that demonstrate the power of changing our environment. For instance, research has shown that exposure to positive portrayals of people from different backgrounds can reduce implicit bias. Similarly, li v ing i n a mo r e d i v er s e community can lead to greater understanding and acceptance of others. As Madhusoodanan puts it, "Instead of trying to chip away at implicit bias merely by changing our minds, perhaps s u c c e s s d e p e n d e d o n changing our environment." This is further supported by a study where "regular viewers of [popular TV] shows were more likely to have stronger anti-Black implicit biases on the IAT." She also cites a fascinating study that analyzed millions of Implicit Association Tests taken between 2007 and 2016. "The researchers found that anti-gay implicit bias had dropped about 33 percent over the years, while neg a tive raci al attit udes a g a i n s t p e o p l e o f c o l o r declined by about 17 percent. The data were the first to definitively show that implicit a t t i tu d e s c a n c h a n g e i n response to a shifting zeitgeist. The changes in attitudes weren't due to any class or training program. Rather, they reflected societal changes, including marriage equality laws and protections against racial discrimination."But change doesn't just happen at the societal level. We can also take individual action to challenge our own biases. One effective strategy is to focus on behavior change. Even if we can't completely eliminate our unconscious biases, we can l e a r n t o r e c o g n i z e a n d counteract their influence on our decisions.For example, in hiring processes, using structured interviews and objective criteria can help minimize the impact of b i a s . B y f o c u s i n g o n qualifications and skills rather than subjective impressions, we can make more fair and equitable decisions. Benedek Kurdi, a psychologist, explains this strategy: “You essentially sever the link between the bias and the behavior... What you're saying is the bias can remain, but you deprive it of the op p o rt u n it y t o i nf l u en c e 15 JAN 2025 | IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING

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decision making.” Another powerful tool is fostering mental flexibility. From a young age, we can encourage children to see social categories as fluid and dynamic. By teaching them to appreciate diversity and challenge stereotypes, we can help them develop more inclusive attitudes and behaviors. Madhusoodanan highlights the importance of this, stating, "Thinking of implicit bias as malleable allows us to constantly reframe our judgments about people we meet—evaluating each unique individual for what they are, rather than reducing them to a few preconceived traits we associate with their race, gender, or other social category." One study showed that "children who thought a b o u t p r e j u d i c e a s f i x e d h a d m o r e uncomfortable interactions with friends of other races and eventually avoided them. But those w h o t h o u g h t a b o u t p r e j u d i c e a s malleable—believing they could change their minds about people of other races—were less likely to avoid friends of other races.” Ultimately, overcoming implicit bias is a journey, not a destination. It requires ongoing effort and a willingness to challenge our own assumptions. But the rewards are well worth it. By creating a more inclusive and equitable world, we benefit not only those who have been mar g i n a l ized b u t al s o our s e l v es. A s Madhusoodanan puts it, "Blurring the implicit lines in our minds might be the first step to reducing disparities in the world we make."Madhusoodanan's article reminds us that we all have a role to play in creating a better future. By understanding the nature of implicit bias and taking steps to challenge its influence, we can build a world where everyone feels valued and respected. So, let's embrace this challenge with open minds and hearts, and work together to create a truly inclusive society.*Originally published in OpenMindmag.org as part of a series supported by the Pulitzer Center 16 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING | JAN 2025 Reader Resource: How to Overcome Implicit Bias in Your World

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“ T h e f uture i s h e re ,” t h e e m a i l announced. Hilda Jaffe, then 88, was letting her children know she planned to sell the family home in Verona, New Jersey. She'd decided to begin life anew — on her own — in a one-bedroom apartment in Hell's Kitchen in Manhattan.Fourteen years later, Jaffe, now 102, still lives alone — just a few blocks away from the frenetic flashing lights and crowds that course through Times Square.She's the rarest of seniors: a centenarian who is sharp as a tack, who carries grocery bags in each hand when she walks back from her local market, and who takes city buses to see her physicians or attend a matinee at the Metropolitan Opera. Jaffe cleans her own house, does her own laundry, manages her own finances, and stays in touch with a far-flung network of family and friends via email, WhatsApp, and Zoom. Her son, Richard Jaffe, 78, lives in San Jose, California. Her daughter, Barbara Vendriger, 75, lives in Tel Aviv.She's an extraordinary example of an older adult living by herself and thriving. I've spoken with dozens of seniors this past year for a series of columns on older Americans living alone. Many struggle with health issues. Many are isolated and vulnerable. But a noteworthy slice of this growing group of seniors maintains a high degree of well-being. What might account for this, particularly among people in the farthest reaches of old age? Sofiya Milman is director of Human Longevity Studies at the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She studies people known as “superagers” —95 and older. “As a group, they have a very positive outlook on life” and are notably resilient, like Jaffe, she told me.Qualities associated with resilience in o l d e r a d u l t s i n c l u d e o p t i m i s m a n d hopefulness, an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, meaningful relationships, community connections, and physical activity, according to a growing body of research on this topic. Jaffe has those qualities in spades, along with a “can-do” attitude. “I never expected to be 102. I'm as surprised as everybody else that I am here,” she said recently over lunch at a Chinese restaurant just steps from her 30-story apartment building.Jaffe's perspective on her longevity is unsentimental. She credits her genetic A Centenarian Thrives Living Alone, Active and EngagedA Centenarian Thrives Living Alone, Active and EngagedA Centenarian Thrives Living Alone, Active and EngagedBy Judith GrahamGenerational Living24 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING | JAN 2025

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heritage, luck, and her commitment to “keep moving,” in that order. “You don't work toward it: It happens. Every day, you get up and you're a day older,” she said.T h i s m a t t e r - o f - f a c t s t a n c e i s characteristic of Jaffe's approach to life. Asked to describe herself, she quickly responded “pragmatic.” That means having a clear-eyed view of what she can and can't do and making adjustments as necessary.Living alone suits her, she added, because she likes being independent and doingthings her way. “If a problem comes up, I work it out,” Jaffe said. In this, she's like other older adults who have come to terms with their “I'm on my own” status and, for the most part, are doing quite well. Still, Jaffe is unusual, to say the least. There are only 101,000 centenarians in the U.S., according to the most recent Census Bureau da t a . Of t h i s sma l l g ro u p, 1 5 % l ive independently or operate independently while living with someone, according to Thomas Perls, the founder and director of the New England Centenarian Study, the largest study of centenarians in the world. (Jaffe is one of 2,500 centenarians participating in the study.)About 20% of centenarians are, like Jaffe, free of physical or cognitive impairments, Perls said. An additional 15% have no age-related Qualities associated with resilience in older adults include and , an ability to to changing circumstances, meaningful , community , and .optimismhopefulnessadaptrelationshipsconnectionsphysical activity illnesses such as arthritis or heart disease.Practically, that means Jaffe doesn't know anybody like her. Nor do her physicians. “My primary care doctor says, 'You're the only centenarian who walks in without an assistant or a cane. You're off the charts,'” Jaffe said, when I asked about her health.She has only a few medical conditions — reflux, an occasional irregular heartbeat, osteoporosis, a touch of sciatica, a lung nodule that appeared and then disappeared. She monitors those conditions vigilantly, following her doctors' advice to the letter.Every day, Jaffe tries to walk 3,000 steps — outside if the weather is good or inside, making laps in her hallway, if the weather is bad. Her diet is simple: bread, cheese, and decaffeinated coffee for breakfast; a sandwich or eggs for lunch; often chicken and a vegetable or restaurant leftovers for dinner. She never smoked, doesn't drink alcohol, and sleeps an average of eight hours each night.Even more important, Jaffe remains engaged with other people. She has subscriptions to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and a chamber music series. She participates in online events and 25 JAN 2025 | IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING

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regularly sees new exhibits at four of New York's premier museums, where she has memberships. She's in regular contact with family members and friends. Jaffe also belongs to a book club at her synagogue on Manhattan's Upper West Side and serves on the synagogue's adult education committee. For more than a decade, she's volunteered several times a week as a docent at the New York Public Library's main branch on Fifth Avenue. “Loneliness, it's not an issue,” she said. “I have enough to do within my capability.”On a recent Tuesday afternoon, I followed Jaffe as she led visitors from Mexico, England, Pittsburgh, and New Jersey through the library's “Treasures” exhibit. She was a wealth of information about extraordinary objects such as a Gutenberg Bible from 1455 (one of the first books printed in Europe using movable type), Charles Dickens' writing desk, and an enormous folio of John James Audubon's “The Birds of America.” She spoke without notes, articulately.When I asked about the future, Jaffe said she doesn't worry about what comes next. She just lives day to day.That change in perspective is common in later life. “Focusing on the present and experiencing the here and now becomes more important to older adults,” said Laura Carstensen, founding director of Stanford University's Center on Longevity, who has studied emotional changes that accompany aging for decades. “As does savoring positive things in their lives.”Carstensen's research group was the first to show that older adults were more resilient emotionally during the covid-19 pandemic than young or middle-aged adults. “Older people are better able to cope with difficulties,” she said. In part, this is because of skills and perspective gained over the course of a lifetime. And, in part, it's because “when we see our f u t u re a s s h o r te r, i t feels m o re manageable.”Jaffe certainly understands the value of facing forward and letting go of the past. Losing her husband, Gerald Jaffe, in 2005 after 63 years of marriage was hard, she admitted, but relinquishing her life and most of her belongings in New Jersey five years later was easy.“It was enough. We had done what we had wanted to do there. I was 88 at that point and so many people were gone. The world had changed,” she told me. “I didn't feel a sense of loss.”“It was so exciting for me, being in New York,” she continued. “Every day you could do something — or nothing. This location couldn't be better. The building is safe and well maintained, with lots of staff. Everything is here, close by: a market, the pharmacy, restaurants, buses. In a house in New Jersey, I would be isolated. Here, I look out the window and I see people.”As for the future, who knows what that will hold? “My joke is I'm going to be done in by a bicycle delivery person cutting through the pedestrian crosswalk,” Jaffe said. Until that or something else happens, “I live in a state of surprise. Every day is a new day. I don't take it for granted at all.”Article republished from KFF Health News, Dec. 10, 202426 IUGO WORLD LEARNING & LIVING | JAN 2025

Conejo Valley, CA- January 2025

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