Hold onto your hats! The Longevity Revolution is coming to Congregation Beth Israel. October 22, October 29, and November 5 are the time to engage in challenging dialogues with fellow congregants and friends about how to both enjoy life to the fullest and plan thoughtfully for the future.

The patterns and social dynamics of family life have significantly changed during our lifetimes: the oldest generation is living far longer than its parents; emancipated adult children move back with parents; elderly parents live with adult children; and grandchildren take care of grandparents.  Who among the now-aging baby boomers ever thought they would find their parents growing older – and perhaps a bit infirm – or that they would have end-of-life questions challenging both their parents and themselves?

If you are 55, what do you want to do with the rest of your life?  The anticipation of retirement and empty nests are just the beginning of a conversation about downsizing, realizing your Jack Nicholson Bucket List and more, much more, to process and pursue.

At the same time there also may be the challenge of helping parents make significant life-style changes - but Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?  How about Estate Planning, Thoughtful Philanthropy, and Powers of Attorney?

In the third session, we will discuss Graceful Aging and Mindful Dying.  Learning to facilitate conversations with our doctors and families will help us make thoughtful end-of-life decisions about aging on our own terms.

No one has all the answers, but our synagogue is the perfect place to raise the questions and reflect together on the moral, ethical, and practical choices our longer lives and changed living circumstances warrant.  There will be thoughtful dialogues on three successive Wednesdays at 7:00 PM, all of which will be moderated by David Sarasohn, led by professionals in their fields, and guided by a committee of CBI members.