"Go to the Countryside" Provides FSU Elderly with Fresh Air and Friendship

On a bus to Ramenskoe, a quaint village southeast of Moscow, 73 year old Talya could hardly contain her excitement: "This is an adventure for me!" she said excitedly.

Talya was joined by 35 of her peers for what has become an annual trip to the Moscow countryside, sponsored by JDC in cooperation with four JDC-supported Moscow Hesed welfare centers.

"This past summer we organized eight trips," explains Tatiana, the local JDC Program Coordinator, "with about 300 elderly Hesed clients. It is a very popular program. We are scheduling even more trips."

The "Go to the Countryside" program was launched by JDC in an effort to combat the loneliness felt by many Jewish elderly. Most of the elderly Muscovite Jews who have taken part in the day-long outings have not had such an opportunity for many years.

"These elderly used to be very active in their time," explains Olga, Director of the Hama Day Center in Moscow. Olga knows the majority of her 200 Day Center clients by sight and calls them "my girls and boys." She is leading a group of Jewish elderly, including Talya, on this year's trip.

"For most, the only 'trip' they have done in recent years is from their homes to the Day Care Center or to the Hesed," says Olga. "They are limited in what they can do." This limitation is due to advancing age, failing health and little money.

For Talya, who lives alone in a tiny city apartment and struggles to get by on her small pension, the Hesed is a source of food, friends and fulfillment. The trip is an opportunity to get to know her friends from the Hesed even better. "At the Hesed Day Center, I have made such good friends. I also enjoy learning about Jewish culture and tradition. For the first time in my life, at 73 years old, I have discovered how interesting and deep Jewish tradition is."

Upon arrival, Talya and the others slowly walked through a pine forest to a beautiful mansion. The visitors entered the bright lobby, where they were served a breakfast of tea and fresh pastries. Then some strolled along the lakeside, reading newspapers or playing chess. Others settled in the garden pavilion, talking to each other and discussing the weather.

The atmosphere is so pleasant that even a rain shower did not spoil the day. Donning raincoats and holding umbrellas, the pensioners continued to walk peacefully along the paths of the gardens, sharing their memories of trips to the country they made when they were younger.

"At my age I like to do things that make me happy," says Talya with a smile.