By Toby Ehrlich
I had the privilege of sitting down with Sitta Dessau recently to ask her what she considers to be the secret to her longevity and health even at 101 years of age. Having recently celebrated her birthday at the Martin and Edit Stein Assisted Living Residence, Sitta strongly believes being active and finding the right partner in life are key to longevity. While many of us are looking forward to retirement at 65, Sitta would counsel against this youthful departure from the work force. Sitta worked well into her 80’s. She ended her career teaching Home Economics, but in her younger years, she taught women’s sports, practicing what she preaches by keeping physically fit. When it was time to retire, she went from working full time to working 3 days a week to working 1 day a week, stating that “it’s good to keep busy!”
Living at the Stein Residence has not slowed her down. Sitta talks about all of her activities, and says she keeps herself busy all the time; painting, knitting, crocheting, participating in the book club, and current events. Sitta is an avid Wii bowler and frequently bests her younger competition. Flower making and beading are her favorite activities. Sitta also enjoys the religious services and celebrations at Stein Assisted Living.
When I asked Sitta what her advice to young people would be, Sitta said, “ Become a professional. Find work steady in a field you enjoy, and keep yourself busy. Be concerned about your surroundings. Help others if they have needs and questions, and most importantly, be sensitive to others feelings and concerns.
“Marriage is important, but it should not be the first thing you do in life. Instead, you should study and have a career first. Then think about marriage. Marriage is the best life, but take time to find the right person – have feelings for each other -that’s very important”
Sitta recounted that the hardest time in her life was when her daughter died tragically at age 27. Sitta and her husband helped raise her daughter’s two children. Yet, despite this tragedy, Sitta has always felt lucky for what she had in her life. “ I feel I was lucky that my husband and I had 63 years together. I have five grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. I am so very proud of my son, who worked in research at Mobile, and of my daughter, who is a a pulmonologist. It has been a very good life”.
For more information on The Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence on The Oscar and Ell Wilf Campus for Senior Liivng in Somerset, NJ, contact us at 732-568-1155 or [email protected]. View our website at www.wilfcampus.org and join us on facebook at www.facebook.com/wilfcampus.

