At 94, Peabody’s Silverman holds unique outlook

PEABODY – Ninety-four-year-old Bert Silverman has an interesting outlook on life, particularly considering most of life he can’t see.Silverman, who lives in Woodbridge Assisted Living, likes to say he “acquired” age-related macular degeneration at age 70, like it was something he picked up and couldn’t put down. Since then his sight has declined dramatically, but his spirit has not.”It’s kind of like I’m in a fog at all times, but I’ve accepted it,” Silverman said. “It is the way it is.”To say he has accepted his condition is to belie Silverman’s true nature. He hasn’t simply accepted his condition; he’s explored it thoroughly. He’s written about it in his book, “Bert’s Eye View: Coping with Macular Degeneration,” lectured in it extensively – always in an upbeat humorous manner – and he counsels others in Woodbridge and elsewhere who suffer from all degenerative eye diseases.”My nature is, and I’m not trying to boast, I adjust myself quicker than the average person,” Silverman said.Silverman isn’t the only one to recognize his ability to adjust.Silverman was recently recognized by the Massachusetts Aging Services Association and, in his nomination letter, Marta Sturm of Woodbridge pointed out others who picked up on Silverman’s unique outlook.Sturm wrote that as Silverman’s eyesight deteriorated, his doctors noticed that his acceptance and optimistic attitude were increasing.”Dr. Walter Schuyler, one of his physicians, suggested to Bert that even though he would lose his vision he could envision that something positive could come out of this,” she wrote.From that encounter came not only Silverman’s book but also his motto: Cope, don’t mope, there’s always hope.Silverman admitted that he was initially devastated by his prognosis, but he refused to let it rule his life.”He is a role model,” Sturm said. “He’s the personification of positive aging.”Silverman said he simply wants people to realize there is life after macular degeneration.”I’ve run into people who are very depressed and understandably so,” he said. “We’re not all built the same.”Along with speaking to a variety of groups, Silverman has also raised over $30,000 for the Iris Network at the Maine Center for Blindness and Visually Impaired through the sale of his book. He also started a support group for low vision at the Lahey Clinic and, as the group grew, he started fielding phone calls from people all over the United States.One of the things Silverman shares along with his positive attitude is his experience.When Silverman got to the point where he couldn’t read, he got a machine to help him. After a scary car accident, he willingly gave up driving and learned to take public transportation and take advantage of rides offered through local senior citizen service groups.”I know it can be a little inconvenient,” he said. “Maybe more than a little, but you do have to adjust.”That is the driving force behind what keeps Silverman going these days, adjusting and helping others adjust to their lives without sight.And lately, he’s been reeling from his award.”It was one of the outstanding events of my lifetime,” he said referring to the gala affair where he received his award for his volunteer efforts. “I never expected anything like that. I do this because I feel I want to help someone. This gives me pleasure. I think I get as much therapy out of this as the people I try and give it to.”