“UNRETIREMENT” — THAT’S THE LATEST BUZZWORD
to describe a trend among older adults, particularly baby boomers,
who reject conventional notions of retirement.

Maybe they start a second career. Maybe they join the Peace
Corps. Maybe they devote themselves to learning new skills or trans-
forming their communities. For Jewish older adults, the lure of vol-
unteerism may be especially strong, as the concept of tikkun olam,
and giving back, is central to the Jewish value system.

Wyndmoor resident Glenna Shire, 68, has been retired for five
years but finds she can’t help getting involved in projects if it’s some-
thing she feels strongly about.

A teacher for the deaf for 30 years, Shire recently had the oppor-
tunity to share her knowledge about deaf culture with a group of
West Philadelphia girls, ages 9 to 14. The girls are in a Salvation
Army program called Be Your Best, which provides lessons on every-
thing from setting a table to mastering a strong handshake.

It’s an eclectic curriculum, thanks to program leader Collette
McBratney, who brought Shire into the class after meeting her at a
Glenna Shire (fourth from left) stands with
the Be Your Best Crew she taught to sign.

20 MAY 12, 2016
THE GOOD LIFE
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM