At Inspīr Carnegie Hill, every resident has a unique story that contributes to the vibrant tapestry of our community. Among these remarkable individuals are Sy and Roberta, a couple whose 64-year love story is as inspiring as their individual accomplishments. Sy, a former OBGYN, and Roberta, a retired psychotherapist, embody the spirit of lifelong learning, creativity, and active living that defines Inspīr. Their apartment, filled with art and memories, reflects a life well-lived and a future embraced with enthusiasm. In this intimate conversation, Sy and Roberta share their journey to Inspīr and how they continue to thrive at Inspīr.
Q: Can you tell us about your journey together?
Sy: "Roberta and I have been sharing laughter, love, and a passion for art for 64 wonderful years. We've always believed in living life to the fullest, and that hasn't changed one bit since moving to Inspīr."
Q: What's your secret to a long, happy marriage?
Sy: "It's simple, really. Find a caring wife.
Roberta: “and, find a caring husband… and learn to laugh often. That's been our motto, and it's served us well all these years."
Q: Can you tell us about your careers and how they shaped you?
Sy: "I practiced as an OBGYN for many years. Delivering babies and performing surgeries was incredibly fulfilling. It required precision and care, which I think influenced my approach to life and my hobbies."
Roberta: "I worked as a psychotherapist. It taught me to be a good listener and reinforced my caring nature. I think both our professions complemented each other well in our personal lives too."
Q: Where did you raise your family?
Sy: "We raised our two daughters and our son on Long Island. It was a wonderful place to bring up a family. When we retired, we decided to move into the city to be closer to all the action."
Q: What activities have you always enjoyed?
Roberta: "We've always been active and curious. Art and theater have been lifelong passions for us. One of our favorite things to do was watching and then discussing independent films at Lincoln Center on Sundays."
Q: Can you tell us about your creative pursuits?
Roberta: "I've always loved creating pottery. It offers an escape that's both calming and exciting while allowing me to be creative. I can lose myself for hours in the process."
Sy: "For me, it's wood carving. I took it up after retirement to keep my hands and mind busy. My dad was a cabinetmaker, and I was always impressed by his craftsmanship. I guess you could say I'm carrying on the family tradition in my own way."
Q: Why did you choose Inspīr Carnegie Hill?
Sy: "We weren't willing to forgo our lifestyle, but we recognized that we needed some additional support. We looked for a senior living community where we could continue to pursue our passions but benefit from the convenience of having our meals prepared, housekeeping, and nursing available if needed."
Roberta: "We feel like we're in a cocoon here, and that's a necessary thing. The reality is we're getting older; it's not as easy to get around and do for ourselves."
Q: What impressed you about Inspīr?
Sy: "We looked around and came to see Inspīr, and that was it. We didn't need to look any further. It's fun here. It's beautiful, very comfortable, the architecture is wonderful, everything just flows. The layout of the apartments was just what we needed, there's plenty of natural light, and best of all, it's two blocks from our daughter."
Q: How have you personalized your apartment?
Roberta: "Every wall of our apartment tells a story from our past. We have oversized oil paintings created by our dear friend and neighbor from Long Island. I've displayed some of the hand-thrown pottery I designed over the years."
Sy: "And I've got some of my wood carvings here too.
Q: What activities do you enjoy at Inspīr?
Sy: "I play poker and bridge, and I really enjoy the variety of lectures offered here. There's always something interesting to learn."
Roberta: "I enjoy my quiet time, being creative, and dining with our new friends and neighbors. It's a lovely balance."
Q: How do you feel about your life at Inspīr?
Sy: "We feel lucky to have each other and to be surrounded by such a vibrant community."
Roberta: "Absolutely. We're able to continue doing what we love, but with the support we need at this stage of our lives. It's the best of both worlds."
Sy and Roberta's story exemplifies the spirit of Inspīr Carnegie Hill, a thriving community where life is embraced wholeheartedly. Inspīr is more than just a residence. It’s an environment that fosters connections, promotes personal growth, and rekindles community spirit. Here, residents like Sy and Roberta have endless opportunities to pursue passions, form friendships, and write exciting new chapters.
Whether through stimulating lectures, art creation, or shared meals, Inspīr invites you to rediscover life's beauty and embark on your own fulfilling journey. We welcome you to explore the Inspīr Lifestyle, uncover the extraordinary world within our doors, and see how you too can thrive in a community that celebrates life at every turn.