By Jacquie Rath
Dr. Cyd B. Charrow, director of the Rockville Centre Department of Senior Services, had a similar experience as she finished her doctoral degree. "It's like exercising," Charrow said. "I could really feel my mind opening up."
After defending her dissertation on Dec. 21, Charrow officially completed her five-year program at Adelphi University, and became a doctor of social work. The program included four years of classes and one year of writing her dissertation, "Self-Efficacy as a Predictor of Life Satisfaction in Older Adults."
The topic combined two of Charrow's loves, vital aging - a new healthier, happier, productive model of growing old - and psychology. The dissertation examined the relationship between feeling useful and life satisfaction in older adults, and concluded that those who felt they were useful were more satisfied with their lives.
Charrow's interest in improving people's quality of life didn't develop overnight. Born in Chicago, she has lived and worked around the country. She earned a degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and a master's in social work at Tulane, and is certified in New York as a licensed clinical social worker.
Since coming to New York in 1980, Charrow has focused been older adults. She worked in the Bronx, Great Neck and Brooklyn before bringing her passion to Rockville Centre. She has been the director of the Department of Senior Services since 1985. Charrow has also directed the department of human services since 1991, and also has her own psychotherapy practice in her hometown of Baldwin.
After over 20 years of working with Rockville Centre's senior services, Charrow wanted to explore something new. "I was feeling a little stuck," she said. "So I went back and got my doctorate. I have always been a person who likes to take on challenges."
Finishing her doctorate wasn't easy. While remaining extremely active in Rockville Centre and the Sandel Center, Charrow took two classes a semester in subjects such as epistemology, political science, statistics, economics and historical writing. "It was interesting going back 30 years later," she said. "School really gave me that excitement and enthusiasm back."
Despite Charrow's desire, she admits that without help, it would have been impossible for her to earn a doctorate. "You couldn't do it if you didn't have real support," she said. Backing her up were the staff and members of the Sandel Senior Center.
"Cyd is very pro-education, not only for herself but for the staff and for the seniors," said Chris O'Leary, deputy director of the Department of Senior Services. "She did a really good job of getting everybody involved in her work."
The knowledge Charrow gained by going back to school and writing her dissertation is something she immediately put into use at the center. "Cyd is very goal-oriented," said Joan Kiernan, a member of the center. "She is an inspiration [and] is excellent in the job."
Charrow prides herself on running the center based on the concept of vital aging. She wants the 1,000 or so seniors who are involved with the Department of Senior Services to stay active and feel like assets to the community. "She believes in learning healthy living," said O'Leary.
Charrow's focus on mental and physical health can be seen in the many new and innovative programs she has encouraged at the center. From tai chi to line dancing to theater, it is clear that the former one-woman cabaret show star hasn't abandoned her love of life, but rather has decided to share her passion with a generation of people who need it the most.
With her doctorate now under her belt, Charrow plans to "give my brain a break and work on my body," she said. But most of all, she looks forward to putting everything she has learned into practice. She plans to focus on the needs of the approximately 6,000 seniors who live in Rockville Centre, as well as their future needs.
With the village backing her, Charrow sees many new endeavors for local seniors and the Sandel Center. "Rockville Centre is a great community," she said. "That's the reason we're able to have a great center."
