Subscribe via RSS RSS feed

Los Angeles Jewish Home's Blog

Thursday, March 31, 2011
A Jewish Home Resident's Opening Day Streak

One of our very own Jewish Home residents holds a record with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nettie Berkson, 95, has been to every home opening game since the franchise moved to LA in 1958. Although this year Nettie will be spending the game at the Jewish Home, her 52-year streak was certainly one for the books. As a matter of fact, it was so impressive, the Dodgers actually wrote a story about it.
"When the Dodgers came out in 1958, I became a Dodgers fan and went to the first Opening Day at the Coliseum," Berkson said. "Baseball was a good reason to go out. I bought season tickets the year Dodger Stadium opened [1962] and have had them every year, but gave them up this year because it's gotten hard for me to do. I guess I'm a lifetime fan -- I'm 95 years and still going."
 This isn't the first time Netti's dedication to her home team was noticed by the media. Prior to attending her 50th opening game in 2007, she was covered by both the Daily News and the Wall Street Journal.

Nettie is one of the many remarkable residents here at the Jewish Home.

Nettie Berkson and family with Dodgers owner Frank McCourt in 2010.

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Los Angeles Jewish Home 0 comments - Post a Comment

Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Feeling Sporty? Popular Activities for Seniors

Cross posted from SeniorsList.com.

If you feel like you need to get out more, you’re not alone.  Senior citizens and non-seniors alike are in need of consistent physical exercise.  Sporty activities are an enjoyable way to get your body moving, but not all forms are best for senior citizens.  Seek out those sports that you enjoy and that exert your body to a comfortable degree.  Here are some of the top ranked sports for the active senior:

Recreational Walking-  Nothing beats a pleasant walk. It’s good for your heart, lungs, and sense of well-being.  Pick a route for yourself that’s challenging but not too strenuous.  Make sure your walk has beautiful scenery to look at, and walk at a time when the temperature is nice.

Fitness Walking-  If you want to step it up a bit, walk with the objective of getting in shape as well as pleasure.  Try some light handweights to work your arms, or simply do low-impact arm exercises while walking.  Get your heart beat up to whatever feels comfortable and slightly challenging.

Treadmill Exercise-  When the weather isn’t great, or your neighborhood doesn’t feel as inviting as you’d prefer, try a treadmill at your local healthclub or senior center.  Treadmills are great because you can choose the degree of incline and intensity.  It’s sometimes nice to get on the treadmill during your favorite television show or movie, if you can manage it.

Stretching-  Stretching is so important for senior citizens.  Light stretches through gentle yoga or simple stretches of your own are a great way to start your day or complete a workout.  Stretch a little bit throughout the day to keep the joints and muscles loose and warm. 

Golf-  Golf is very popular among senior citizens and for good reason.  The combination of walking, fresh air, and sunshine make it a pleasing and invigorating sport.  Add to that a competitive edge and the technique of the game, and you have a sport that exercies both your body and your spirit.

Recreational Vehicle Camping-  Take your home with you!  Camping provides exercise and excitement.  Go on hikes, swim, and fish.  It’s a wonderful way to travel and move your body.

Free weights-  Light handweights are a great way to exercise the muscles, important for reducing bone loss and osteoperosis.  Start with light weights and fewer repetitions, then work your way up to what’s challenging but comfortable.

Freshwater Fishing-  Fishing can offer peace and tranquility, along with working the muscles in your arms and torso. 

Weight Resistance Machines-  If you have time and access to a gym, weight resistance machines are worth their weight in gold for seniors.  Check out your local senior center or gym.  If you have the means to do it, a personal trainer can tailor a workout especially to your needs.

Recreational Swimming- Swimming if generous on your joints.  Water is invigorating and challenging on the body.  There’s no better full-body workout than swimming!

Bowling-  There are tons of senior bowling groups around, and everyone agrees there’s nothing more fun than bowling with friends.  If you’re feeling a little more competitive, join a league in your area.

Stationary Cycling-  If you worry about the possibilty of falling and injuring yourself on a regular bike, a stationary bike can provide the same workout without the worry.  It’s a tremendous full-body exercise.

Day Hiking-  Take a day to hike in a nearby park or mountainscape.  Try a hike on the beach.  You can even bring a picnic basket!


Read the original blog here.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by: Los Angeles Jewish Home 2 comments - Post a Comment