JNH Resident Selma Gorenstein Forever Young!
Every Thursday morning on the A-1 nursing unit, residents can be seen enjoying a lively class of chair exercise. Arms are circling and legs are kicking as they move to “Cha Cha Cha!” But what is most remarkable about this class is the instructor. She is filled with love, energy, and positivity, from her effusive spirit to her brightly colored outfit to her beautiful, beaded bracelets. Teaching with an ever-present smile, it’s obvious she is having a lot of fun.
The instructor also happens to be 95 years young! Selma Gorenstein, a resident of the nursing home, attributes her longevity to daily exercise. “I keep active, I exercise. Punch out, punch out,” she exclaimed as she raised her arms and made two perfect punching motions. Her philosophy reflects her zest for living. “You’ve got to see the best in people. I don’t talk about anybody. Life is good.”
Selma shared that she has been exercising ever since she was a child. She taught high school exercise classes and especially enjoyed playing volleyball and handball. An avid reader, Selma often walked the four miles to her local library. She loves to keep moving!
When not exercising, these days Selma makes colorful bracelets. “I never wore jewelry in my life, but now, all of a sudden, I wear bracelets! They remind me of the people in my life who love me.” Of the Leavitt Home Selma notes that she frequently makes bracelets for the staff members. “I am friends with all the aids,” explains Selma. “They have been wonderful to me. In fact, I don’t have to do anything. They do everything for me.”
Selma grew up in the East Bronx, NY, where she met her husband, Victor. After they married, the couple moved to Springfield and raised two children, Kenny, and Barbara. Vic worked at Chicopee Undergarment, along with his twin brother Danny. Upon retiring, he took a job at Wingate, and worked there for nine years as an Administrator and troubleshooter.
Selma and Vic were married for 72 years. When asked the secret for a long and happy marriage, Selma broke out in song, “You’ve got to give a little, take a little! Vic was an all-around guy. People loved him! He was trained to help people. We did everything together: sports, walking, tennis. He had a charisma that nobody else had. Vic was charming.”
Selma and Vic retired to Florida, where they lived for 11 years. “Vic loved Florida, but I couldn’t stand it because it was so hot. The humidity was worse than the temperature. But we had a lot of friends and loved going out to restaurants with them.”
Family is of central importance to Selma, which is obvious from the many beautiful family photographs that fill her room. She has two children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom she is very proud. Selma was quick to point out the picture of her great-granddaughter Lucy, who looks just like her!
For Selma, Leavitt is like living at home, only with added perks. “Living here is like living in a hotel. I don’t have to lift a finger. My clothes are all washed, the staff makes sure I take my medications and they even give me showers. I have become especially close with one CNA. We became friends and she calls me Mom! She stops in to see me before she goes home.” She added with a smile, “The people are wonderful here. And most of the time, I really like the food!”