Nov 29, 2010

Federation Gardens is Home to Two Centenarians

The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Federation Gardens in Kendall may be the best place to learn the secrets of long life. The independent living facility is the home of two healthy and strong centenarians — Ana Adler and Ignacio Llerena — who look and act as if they are decades younger.

During her 11 years at Federation Gardens, Ana has earned a reputation for her sharp poker skills and winning streaks, playing every Tuesday morning with other residents. Now 102 years old, Ana’s positive attitude, impeccable appearance and insightful comments never go unnoticed by neighbors and staff at the residences.

One-hundred-year-old Ignacio has established his reputation in the past decade as a sweetheart and an excellent cook. You can ask anybody at Federation Gardens and he or she will tell you about Ignacio’s famous empanadas and delicious Cuban food.

The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Federation Gardens provides affordable independent housing for seniors to age in a dignified atmosphere. Federation Gardens is a Greater Miami Jewish Federation-sponsored, federally subsidized senior-housing facility. Its 160 apartment units are home to more than 179 residents.

Federation Gardens residents enjoy amenities such as weekly transportation to a grocery store, hairdresser visits once a week for a nominal fee, holiday parties and more. Additionally a full range of services is available through Federation's beneficiary agencies, including home healthcare, social services and a meal site program through Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS). They also have access to a Resident Service Coordinator who links residents to social service programs and recreation in the community.

To celebrate Ana and Ignacio’s most recent birthdays, the administration at Federation Gardens organized a party at which the two residents were honored for their longevity. Both of their families — children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren— spent a beautiful afternoon treasuring their favorite centenarians and reminiscing about their long journeys through life.

Ana Adler came to the United States with her father, a Russian-born tailor, in 1908 when she was 11 years old. They left their home in Paris and came to explore life in New York, enjoying religious freedom and their Jewish life together. From a very young age, Ana had big dreams and aspirations. So, upon her arrival, she registered herself in a public school to learn English.

“Life is very funny. It will bring many surprises, you just have to go with it,” she says, as she blissfully remembers the time she met the love of her life, husband Sam Adler. She recalls all the nuances of that windy afternoon in the countryside, when she was only 19 and Sam chose her among all other available bachelorettes.

When Ana’s beloved husband passed away from cancer after more than 60 years of marriage, she and her family decided to find her a new home at Federation Gardens.

Ignacio Llerena’s journey through life is worthy of a novel. He grew up in a small town in Cuba, taking care of his farm and his family. Tragedy struck when his first wife passed away, leaving him alone with five small children. Ignacio, a strong and determined man, was able to care for his children until 1972, when he fled to Spain, escaping Castro’s regime. He later moved to Miami.

What are their secrets to long life? According to Ignacio, it is managing stress and having faith in G-d. As an expert cook, he adds that a balanced and healthy diet, no drinking and no smoking are also key ingredients to long life. Ana, however, is more reserved about sharing her secrets. However, she admits that she has led her long life following a few simple rules — never lie, never gossip, and never curse.

Both Ana and Ignacio call Federation Gardens their home, and consider the nurses, social workers and all other staff to be their friends. They also agree that their home gives them a warm environment — close to living with a real family — and keeps them focused on independence and self reliance, in spite of their years.

Federation Gardens, located in Kendall, is one of two senior housing facilities in Miami-Dade County that are supported by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. For more information on Federation Gardens, contact 305.279.1708.

For information on Federation Towers, located in Miami Beach, call 305.531.2388.