Stretches, Mind Challenges Help Freehold Resident Reach Milestone

FREEHOLD, NJ — Optimism and activity are just two of the admirable traits that Lyubov Kolesnikova, now 100 years old, has carried with her through life.

Kolesnikova, a resident of The Jewish Home for Rehabilitation & Nursing in Freehold, has led life to the fullest, she and her family said on the occasion of her birthday this fall.

A former doctor and college professor, the centenarian still does her morning stretches every day; keeps her mind active with mental challenges like puzzles, Sudoku and crosswords; and is known for always finding the “silver lining,” they say.

Kolesnikova’s family and members of the skilled nursing facility’s care team joined in her milestone birthday festivities.

“It was our delight to celebrate this special day with Lyubov,” said Rita Elpiner, who directs The Jewish Home’s cultural program for Russian-speaking residents. “She is a pleasure to have with us here at The Jewish Home and has so many interesting stories to share.”

Elpiner recounted some of the highlights of Kolesnikova’s life:

Born in 1922 in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Kolesnikova moved to Donetsk, Ukraine, during WWII with her mother, who was a pediatrician; father, who was an engineer; and her younger sisters.

She followed in her mother’s footsteps, earning a medical degree, although did not stop there. Always fascinated by the sciences and drawn to learning, Kolesnikova continued her education, obtaining advanced degrees. She became a college professor at a top university in Donetsk, where she remained until her retirement.

Kolesnikova and her husband raised their two daughters in Ukraine, one of whom settled in New York. In 1994, the pair moved to New York to help their daughter raise her young family and also enjoyed countless travels across the U.S.

Kolesnikova approached her earlier hobbies "with a passion and delighted in sharing the fruits of her labor, so to speak, with family and friends," Elpiner said.

Her love of cooking brought large meals for her family and friends to enjoy, while her sewing hobby resulted in a couture wardrobe for her daughter, said Elpiner in a news release about the event.

Located at 1151 W. Main St., The Jewish Home provides post-hospital care, short-term rehab and long-term residential care.

The facility’s Russian-speaking cultural program offers bilingual caregivers and medical professionals, authentic cuisine prepared in-house, and special recreational activities.

The 150-bed skilled nursing facility also includes a synagogue on premises, provides focused Jewish programming and offers OU certified Glatt Kosher cuisine.