Hackensack Meridian Health’s Center for Healthy Senior Living Keeps Patients Feeling Young At Heart During Older Americans Month and Year Round

At 83 years young, Jeanne Becker is as motivated as she’s ever been to live her best life. With a family history of Alzheimer’s and dementia, the Hoboken grandmother has been determined to stay sharp and in shape. Thanks to daily exercise, a strict plant based diet and regular visits with her geriatrician at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC), Jeanne is enjoying optimal health in her golden years.

Jeanne has always prioritized her health. But that became even more important during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She says a friend from her synagogue encouraged her to make an appointment with Dr. Manisha Parulekar, Chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Co-Director of the Center for Memory Loss and Brain Health at HUMC.

“I have such a high regard for Dr. Parulekar and her team. They are the experts on the aging process. At my age, there are so many issues to worry about - osteoporosis, blood pressure and trouble sleeping. Given my family history and inching closer to 80 at the time, I just knew it was important to have a place in a geriatric practice with a doctor I trust. And we wanted to do that in New Jersey, close to home. I know my health has absolutely improved. I am sure it’s because of my lifestyle and the good medical care I am receiving,” Jeanne said, who is part of a growing number of Americans expected to live longer.

In 2023, the U.S. average life expectancy increased to 78.4 years ‒ nearly 11 months longer than the prior year. But while life expectancy has increased, experts say there's a significant difference between lifespan and "healthspan."

The board-certified geriatric medicine specialists at Hackensack Meridian Health’s Center for Healthy Senior Living provide the highest quality clinical care to help older adults manage the aging process while maximizing independence and quality of life.

Patients benefit by:

• Improved physical health
• Prevention and early detection of diseases
• Management of chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease and arthritis
• Improved medication management
• Improved mental and emotional well-being through assessment and treatment of cognitive decline, plus social support and connection through activities and resources to combat isolation and loneliness

In addition, the specialists provide this care in a variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient and long-term care or rehabilitation facilities. By addressing the multifaceted aspects of aging, comprehensive geriatric programs help older adults maintain their health, independence, and overall well-being for as long as possible.

As our life expectancy in the U.S. continues to rise, Dr. Parulekar says comprehensive geriatric services are more important than ever. “Interdisciplinary geriatric care, like we offer at Hackensack, emphasizes maintaining functional independence and improving quality of life, rather than just treating diseases. This focus empowers seniors to live as fully and independently as possible.”

As Jeanne looks forward to her 84th birthday this May - during Older Americans Month - which pays tribute to the senior citizens in each of our communities - she feels lucky to be part of the HMH community and plans to continue to enjoy each day to the fullest. She finds joy in her daily walks, assembling healthy meals and spending time with her 21 year old granddaughter, who also helps keep her feeling young.

“I am very strongly motivated to keep living a happy and healthy life in my 80s and beyond. I have great medical care and a good plan with Hackensack and it’s making a tremendous difference. I’m grateful to know that if something happens to my health, the best doctors will be taking care of me.”

In addition to being ranked the #1 hospital in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Hospitals List, Hackensack University Medical Center was also the only hospital in the state to be nationally ranked in the field of Geriatrics. To find out more about these award winning services, click here.