“Age is just a number here at Lions Gate. The love, the care, and the attention I get makes me feel forever young.”
No one has a sunnier outlook on life than Jules Gold. “In life, good and bad happens,” said Jules. “I am a combat veteran from the Korean War. I am a father who lost a child. I am a husband whose wife has health issues. But on the flip side, I also have a son, three grandchildren, and four great grandchildren who all bring me so much joy. “To stay optimistic, I just made up my mind to be grateful for all the good in my life. I love my family. I am kind to everyone here at Lions Gate and everyone loves me and is kind to me in return. I honestly think I have a great life.”
Jules was born in January 1930, at the start of the Depression. “I was an only child,” said Jules. “I was raised as a Conservative Jew, and my parents kept a Kosher home. After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the Army. When I got out two years later, I met Rhoda, who had moved in a few doors down from my parents. We eventually got married, and then I was drafted back into the Army and deployed to Korea. I didn’t see Rhoda for two years. But fortunately, I came home safely, and we started a family. We moved with the kids to Wildwood Crest, I started my own realtor business, and we had a beautiful life there for 65 years. Really, it was just beautiful.”
In recent years, Rhoda’s health declined, and Jules became her caregiver. “I took good care of the two of us,” said Jules. “As time passed, Rhoda’s care needs changed even further, so we moved her into Lions Gate in 2020. I was still living on my own and one day I had a bad fall. They took me to the hospital, and then discharged me to Short-Term Rehab at Lions Gate. The physical therapists there really helped me build my strength, but it became clear that I needed assistance with my mobility. When a room became available in Skilled Nursing, I thought, ‘This was where I’m meant to be.’ I get to spend my days with my wife, and I’m still living close to my kids. I moved in November 2022, and I’m very happy here. I’m friends with all the Lions Gate staff, and everyone knows my name. Isn’t that something?”
Jules is like the Mayor of Lions Gate, chatting amiably with residents and staff all day long as he buzzes around the community. “I guess I’m a people person,” laughed Jules. “I’m also a huge sports fan, and a diehard Eagles fan. I watch the news a lot, and I love to go out on the patio and soak up the sun. I go to all the entertainment here and enjoy services with Cantor Jana on Fridays and Saturdays. I’m going to be 94 years old in January, and my wife and I will celebrate our 72nd wedding anniversary in January as well. My kids, grandkids, and great grandkids are healthy and happy. What more could I want? I’m a lucky man.”
