Adjusting to life after retirement can be challenging. The newfound free time may feel overwhelming, and maintaining an active lifestyle without structure can be difficult. Fortunately, AJA (Active Jewish Adults) 50+ provides a vibrant community for Jewish adults over 50 seeking enrichment in their retirement.

Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, which will be marked by a gala in May, AJA 50+ has reached a new milestone: receiving a $30,000 Jewish Journeys grant from the Jewish Federation of Ottawa to support its Seniors Welcoming Seniors program. This new outreach-based weekly interactive lecture series is designed to engage seniors who may be unaffiliated, marginalized, or unaware of available programming.

AJA 50+ established this extended program with the purpose of getting more people involved with the Jewish community. One of the ways they hope to engage more active adults is through weekly or biweekly programming that is one to two hours long and based around a specific theme, such as medical interests or travelogues.

With the Jewish Journeys grant, AJA 50+ aims to spark greater interest in Jewish community life while reducing accessibility barriers, including transportation support for those with mobility challenges.

This initiative comes at a crucial time, as Federation’s most recent demographic study revealed that Ottawa’s over-65 population is the fastest-growing age group, yet many in this cohort are also experiencing increasing financial vulnerability. AJA 50+ has become an essential lifeline, providing connection, engagement, and support for seniors in the Jewish community.

Founded in 2000 by Estelle Gunner, Ruth Levitan, Teena Hendelman z”l, and Cecily Bregman, with the help of Rabbi Arnold Fine, AJA 50+ started with around 20 members and has since grown to nearly 400 participants. Through stimulating talks, social events, and collaborative programs, it continues to foster meaningful connections among active Jewish adults.

In December, AJA 50+ partnered with Jewish Family Services for an intergenerational Chanukah celebration, where seniors and younger community members lit chanukiyot together and enjoyed a catered lunch that included latkes and sufganiyot, as well as singing and dancing. 

In addition to the Jewish Journeys grant, AJA 50+ has also secured additional funding, further reinforcing its role as a hub for Jewish seniors in Ottawa. While details on these grants are still forthcoming, AJA 50+ hopes they will enable even more active adults to join and benefit from expanded programming.

Learn more about Jewish Journeys grants

Federation Jewish Journey grants are awarded to qualifying organizations that are launching a new program or initiative that builds Jewish identity through meaningful Jewish experiences. (The applications for this session are now closed, but you can find out more about these grants here)

Learn more about the gala

As AJA 50+ marks 25 years, it will host a special anniversary gala on May 27th, open to people of all ages from both within and beyond the Jewish community.

For more information on AJA 50+ or to get involved, contact AJA 50+ at ajafiftyplus@gmail.com