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Health and Well-Being Among Those Aging in Place in a Jerusalem Religious Community

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Abstract

An innovative pilot program in a traditional Jerusalem synagogue was developed to increase medical and social well-being of older community members who want to age in place. The study assessed the impact of the program. Interviews and focus groups were conducted in 2019 with 30 program participants, program staff, and non-program residents and with program leaders a year later. The evaluation found that wellness and healthcare features of a faith-based aging in place program had a generally positive impact, magnified by the group’s strong social cohesion. The program’s impact and value have increased since COVID-19, with some potential for replication.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the study participants as well as Ruth Weinschenk-Vennor, MA.

Funding

This study was funded by Ariel University. Grant Number: RA1900000086. Ariel University, RA1900000086, Ephraim Shapiro.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Systems Management, Ariel University, 4 Kiryat Hamada, 40700, Ariel, Israel

    Ephraim Shapiro

  2. Beer Emunah Institute and Healthy Aging, Ltd, 61 Dizengoff Street., Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

    Amira Paz

  3. Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center - Ichilov Hospital, 6 Weizmann St., Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

    Shachar Henn Amir & Or Sendler Elharar

  4. Stockton University, 101 Vera King Farris Dr, Galloway, NJ, 08205, USA

    Rachel S. Kirzner

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  1. Ephraim Shapiro
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  2. Amira Paz
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  3. Shachar Henn Amir
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  4. Or Sendler Elharar
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  5. Rachel S. Kirzner
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All authors contributed substantially to the article, and approved the submission of the article.

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Correspondence to Ephraim Shapiro.

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Conflict of interest

Amira Paz, one of the coauthors, currently serves as CEO of the organization that administers the program being evaluated although did not serve in this role at the time of the evaluation.

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This paper was written in compliance with the authors’ institutions’ ethical standards. Written consent was obtained from all participants beforehand.

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Shapiro, E., Paz, A., Henn Amir, S. et al. Health and Well-Being Among Those Aging in Place in a Jerusalem Religious Community. J Relig Health 62, 3137–3157 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-023-01868-7

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