Milestones Newspaper July 2023

PHILADELPHIA CORPORATION FOR AGING

THE BENEFITS OF BEING OUTDOORS

EMPOWERING OLDER ADULTS TO AGE IN PLACE

MEET PENNSYLVANIA’S NEW SECRETARY OF AGING

WHAT IS PCA?

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a nonprofit agency dedicated to serving Philadelphia’s older adults and adults with disabilities.

PCA publishes Milestones and offers:

• Care in the home

• Home-delivered meals

• Home repairs and modifications

• Protective services

• Senior centers

• Caregiver support

• Employment and volunteer programs

• Legal services

• Transportation

• Ombudsman services

• Health education

• Information and referral

Enjoy summer in the city

For more information, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org.

By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA PCA President & CEO

Call 24/7 to report suspected elder abuse. PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040

Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA

President and CEO

PCA Board of Directors 2022-23

Satya B. Verma, O.D., Chair

Glenn D. Bryan, Vice Chair

Angela Foreshaw-Rouse, Secretary

Louis A. Bove, Esq.

Louis Colbert

Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Esq.

Lynn Fields Harris

Katherine E. Galluzzi, D.O., FACOFP

Sandra McNally

Paul Nathanson

John Whitman

Eloise N. Young

Jacqueline S. Zinn, Ph.D.

Emeritus: Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M.

Outside Philadelphia toll-free: 888-215-765-9041 (TDD) pcaCares.org

Milestones is published monthly and distributed at more than 1,100 locations throughout Philadelphia, Lower Bucks and Eastern Montgomery counties.

Check us out online: pcaCares.org/Milestones

Editor: Alicia M. Colombo

215-765-9000, ext. 5081

PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130

Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org

Advertising: Teresa Heavens

215-765-9000, ext. 5053

Email: Teresa.Heavens@pcaCares.org

Subscriptions & Distributions: 215-765-9000, ext. 5081

Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org

Home delivery: $12/year

Summer is a great time to take advantage of all that our wonderful city has to offer! Philadelphia is full of activities, events and amenities to suit any interest or hobby. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, sports fan, arts and culture enthusiast, foodie, or shopper, you’ll find opportunities for enjoyment in every neighborhood.

Did you know?

Philadelphia is the “Mural Capital of the World” with more than 4,400 community-based public works of art. Mural subjects include famous Philadelphians throughout history, the environment, restorative justice and civic engagement. (For more information, contact Mural Arts Philadelphia at 215-685-0750 or MuralArts.org. For information on mural tours, call 215-9253633.)

and “access to all this city has to offer — activities, tickets, reservations and opportunities,” according to the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation. (For more information, call 1-800537-7676 or go to PhlVisitorCenter.com. To read about some of the city’s hottest attractions and events this summer, see the article on page 7.)

Stay safe in the heat

I encourage you to spend time outdoors and take full advantage of the summer in Philadelphia. Please make sure to keep safety in mind while doing so. Always protect yourself from the sun and heat by wearing sunscreen and a hat. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. You might want to carry a refillable water bottle with you. (For more heat safety tips, read the Health Brief on page 15.)

The views expressed in Milestones are not necessarily those of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). Milestones will not knowingly accept or publish fraudulent or misleading advertising. Milestones reserves the right to edit, revise or reject ads. Milestones assumes no responsibility for errors, misprints, omissions or misinformation; for failure to publish an ad; or for any damages of any kind. Neither the publisher nor any other party is rendering expert advice in this publication. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced without the permission of PCA.

©2023 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved.

Philadelphia’s robust urban park encompasses 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, as well as hundreds of recreation, environmental and cultural centers, according to the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. (See the article on page 5 for information about enjoying the outdoors.)

You can be a tourist in your own city. Each year, more than 1.3 million people come to Philadelphia’s visitor centers for free information

On especially hot days, your best bet is to stay indoors where it’s air-conditioned. This is a great opportunity to spend the day at one of the 28 tremendous senior community centers that PCA supports. Senior centers are the best recreational venues for older adults in Philadelphia, and there’s a location right in your neighborhood. Stop by to cool off from the heat, make new friends, enjoy a nutritious meal, exercise, take a class and more. To find a senior center near you, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org/senior-centers

PHILADELPHIA CORPORATION FOR AGING

Pennsylvania has a new Secretary of Aging: Meet Jason Kavulich

By Alicia M. Colombo

ing services to meet the needs of older Pennsylvanians.

Tell us about your Master Plan for Older Adults.

Pennsylvania’s older adults have a new aging representative in Harrisburg, as Jason P. Kavulich has been appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro, and unanimously confirmed by the legislature, as the new Secretary of Aging. Secretary Kavulich is a 23-year veteran of the Lackawanna County Human Services Department, where he began his career in 1999 as a case worker and worked his way up to director of the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in 2016. As Secretary of Aging, Kavulich will serve and advocate for Pennsylvania’s 3.4 million older adults, aged 60-plus, by supporting a 52-agency network covering 67 counties where services are delivered locally across diverse populations and geographies. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, “he is committed to leading and advocating for an aging network of quality, sustainable programs that support Pennsylvania’s growing older adult population to stay healthy and active, age in their home settings of choice, thrive in their older years with safety and dignity, and contribute to the economic, social and cultural vibrancy of our communities across the Commonwealth.”

A Milestones reporter interviewed Kavulich about his plans for provid-

We are working with PCA and the other 51 AAAs to build out a Master Plan for Older Adults. This will be a 10-year strategic roadmap, designed by Pennsylvanians for Pennsylvania. The focus is aging in place. We want people to age in place in their communities with the dignity that they deserve. We want them to be able to live among their loved ones and friends with the services and supports needed to function at the highest level that they possibly can. We will be conducting meetings in the 67 counties across the state to determine which services, whether home-delivered meals or even senior centers, are the most appropriate. It’s good to be part of an effort that will unite all of us with one voice so that we can make sure that the people we serve have the best delivery system possible.

The beauty of the aging system is that there are 52 Area Agencies on Aging with a variety of names and structures. Each local Area Agency on Aging was designed with flexibility to meet its own community’s unique needs. What we need in the northeast is different than what we need in Philly. There’s no cookie-cutter method in which we can do this. No two counties are exactly the same. This is a living document. This is something that will evolve over time because needs change. No one saw the pandemic coming. If there’s ever another situation like that, we need to be able to pivot and serve in a different way.

How will you define success?

We’re all here for the people. This is a person-centered delivery system. We would define success by the improvement in our practice. We want to make it clear that we’re protecting and serving older adults. We want to make sure

that we’re delivering systems that truly help them age in place. We need to have alternatives for when direct care workers are not able to be found, and make sure that older adults can receive some form of service that will keep them safe in their homes. We need to make sure that senior centers continue to do what they’ve done for 50-plus years. We call it “battling social isolation” right now, but it’s what we’ve always done. It’s the connectivity. Senior centers remain resources to the communities they serve. People have their nutritional, physical and behavioral health needs met.

What priorities most affect older Philadelphians?

What Philadelphians want, like most older Pennsylvanians, is to live in their homes forever. They don’t want to worry about if they’re going to have a direct care worker, if they’re going to show up or if they’re not going to be there for three days. They want to know that those services will be in place. They don’t want to have to worry about if their senior center is going to close or if they’re not going to get a meal. I think those are the things that really weigh on people’s minds. They worry about access to health care. Those very basic needs are really what everyone’s most concerned with. We want to make sure that people can rest easy knowing that we’re all there pulling for them and making sure that those services are available so they can stay in their homes and age in place.

What is the greatest challenge for aging Pennsylvanians?

Pennsylvania is diverse in many ways, and we need to make sure that what we do represents all Pennsylvanians. That’s a hurdle that we will have challenges with. We want to make sure that we’re respectful in that space and that we give different avenues to different populations to make sure that they

know that they’re part of this.

Three basic principles that the Department of Aging and the aging network should always be focused on are advocacy, sustainability and quality. If we continue to stay on this person-centered path, the hurdles that we face will fall before us because we’re working together to tackle them.

How has COVID-19 impacted older Pennsylvanians?

In some ways, it’s empowered some folks. And, it’s scared some folks. The economic challenges are there, as we fight inflation. For people trying to get by on really fixed incomes, having their SNAP (food assistance) benefits taken away is a huge challenge to an older adult. We have to have the resources and the team to pivot to help everybody. We have no other option but to work together to try to solve these issues.

What resources are available to help older Pennsylvanians?

Our traditional services have not been altered. The first place to start is with your local AAA. (In Philadelphia County, contact PCA at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org.) You can sit down with a staff member to talk about your needs or your family member’s needs. From there, you can determine if you’re going to be part of the Caregiver Support Program, a consumer reimbursement program, traditional agency-based personal care, home-delivered meals, PACE (medication and social services), senior centers – there are so many services available. It all starts with a phone call. There is staff there who have always been, and always will be, the most supportive advocates for older adults in any community. They can help you make a plan for that person, and that person’s family, to get them the help they truly need.

Continued on page 10

The benefits of being outdoors

By Jay Nachman

Nature is a wonderful co-therapist, according to Lauren Kahn, a Mount Airy-based licensed marriage and family therapist, who is also an ecotherapist, offering outdoor sessions to allow her patients to connect with the healing power of nature.

“It’s very different being outside, being in the elements where you can really hear the birds, feel the breeze, see the trees and the details of nature, and fully engage all your senses,” Kahn said.

She meets with clients in different locations throughout Wissahickon Park in Northwest Philadelphia, as well as at The Discovery Center in Fairmount Park, blocks from Strawberry Mansion.

Kahn described how the natural world can inspire change in people. One day, she was walking with a client, and they saw chipmunks everywhere they turned. As they continued walking, they saw four turtles perched on a log, basking in the sun.

The two talked about the differences between chipmunk and turtle behavior. Then, Kahn asked her client if she felt more like a chipmunk or a turtle in her relationship with her husband, a topic they had been addressing in therapy.

The following week the client came back and said, “I really tried to be like a turtle this week. I felt calmer, I was able to let things go by. I didn’t feel like I was scurrying around and rushing all the time.”

Another example of the power of nature is how trees can represent change. When walking through the woods in wintertime, it can some-

times seem like the trees are dead.

“The trees aren’t dead,” Kahn said “They’re very much alive. They’re just conserving their energy. And, then in the spring, we see an incredible burst of life. The fall is also a season where you get to see intensely how life is constantly changing.”

Kahn said that her ecotherapy clients have recognized that “the changing of the trees is so beautiful that, maybe, I can see change in myself as also beautiful. I’m changing, I’m aging, I’m growing. One of the things that happens is people start to feel more comfortable with the idea of change in their life because they begin to see that nature is always changing; life is always changing. By being in nature, we recognize our own true nature.”

Peter Kurtz, 69, loves being outdoors. He retired last summer after working at Pennypack Environmental Center for more than 30 years. Now the Fox Chase resident, who lives about a mile from the park, returns there, when the weather is acceptable, to hike.

“Time with nature is very helpful,” said Kurtz, a birdwatcher and a self-described botanist. “It gets you away from a lot of the stresses of life. The great thing about the park is you can do things at your own pace, and there’s so many nice things to see and enjoy. And the park is different things for different people. People enjoy biking, walking – alone or with their dogs, and fishing. There are so many different activities that the park allows that people can enjoy.”

In the park, Kurtz can watch different plants come up, as well as see different animals, like chip-

munks, woodpeckers, bird migrations and even a minx.

“You never know what you’re going to see and what’s going to be out there,” Kurtz said. “Even if you go to the same place every day, there are differences. The weather’s different. You might see an animal one day that you won’t see another day. Even if you go out looking for something in particular, you might be surprised by something you weren’t expecting at all. It makes it more enjoyable, more fun.”

Debbie Hollein, 70, is a retired physician who now serves as a trail ambassador for Friends of the Wissahickon in the Wissahickon Valley Park. The instructor-like ambassadors assist visitors with anything from directions to leading hikes, as well as teach about the park’s history, flora, wildlife and geology.

A lifelong learner, she likes studying all aspects of the park. In addition, as an ambassador, she enjoys meeting the people who visit the

park.

On her park hikes, Hollein is joined by her husband and others, “We try to explore the different experiences of hiking as the months go by and the seasons go by,” Hollein said. “I do like exercising in a beautiful place. It keeps you healthy.”

For more information about Philadelphia’s parks:

• Philadelphia Parks & Recreation: 215-683-3600 | phila.gov/departments/ philadelphia-parks-recreation

• Fairmount Park Conservancy: 215-988-9334 | https:// MyPhillyPark.org

• Center City District Parks: 215-440-5500 | CenterCityPhila.org/parks

• Park Friends Network: 215607-3487 | LoveYourPark.org

Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.

Cianfrani Park, located at 8th and Fitzwater streets in South Philadelphia, is one of the city’s many urban nature spots. (Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia)

Your guide to fun in Philly

tern Festival at Franklin Square is a fun, multicultural event that is family-friendly,” says Smythe. “Enjoy colorful, eye-catching sights as you meander through the festival and enjoy live cultural performances.” The Chinese Lantern Festival begins at 6 p.m. nightly and runs through Aug. 13. Older adults ages 65+ can purchase tickets for $20 on Sunday through Thursday or $23 on Friday and Saturday. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 215-629-4026 or visit HistoricalPhiladelphia.org/ChineseLanternFestival. Tickets can also be purchased on-site.

Arts & culture

By Mary Anna Rodabaugh

From museum exhibits to neighborhood festivals, Philadelphia has many events and accessible activities to offer older adults to enjoy this summer. And, getting around is a breeze!

“The Philly PHLASH bus makes sightseeing and touring Philadelphia’s historic sites and tourist attractions a breeze for older adults,” says Laura Smythe, communications manager at Visit Philadelphia. “Rides are free for those age 65-plus.”

PHLASH buses run daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. making stops at Philadelphia hotspots, including Penn’s Landing, The Barnes Foundation, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute and Liberty Bell Center. For more information or to access the bus service schedule, visit RidePhillyPHLASH.com or call 484-881-3574. All buses are wheelchair accessible. Adults 65-plus can also travel free on all SEPTA buses, trolleys, subways and the Market-Frankford line, as well as on Regional Rail within Pennsylvania. For information, call 215-580-7800 or go to SEPTA.org and search “seniors.”

If you need assistance to stand or walk for a length of time, Scootaround

rents motorized scooters and wheelchairs to help you enjoy a full day of activity. For rates and information, go to Scootaround.com or call 1-888-4417575.

To enhance the enjoyment of museum attractions and tours for people with hearing impairments, the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Lending Library of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University loans equipment and technology, including assistive listening devices. The library offers many options. For information, call 215-2041356 or visit disabilities.temple.edu. Must do events & attractions

Are you a Disney aficionado? If so, you’ll want to visit “Disney100: The Exhibition” at the Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St., through August 27. The exhibition takes guests on a journey through the beloved stories that have dazzled fans since 1923. You can choose from daytime admission to the exhibit with access to all Franklin Institute permanent exhibits ($43 for older adults 65+) or an evening admission ticket to the exhibition only ($25 for adults 65+). To purchase tickets or for more information, call 215-448-1200 or visit fi.edu.

“The Philadelphia Chinese Lan-

Enjoy featured works from Black, Brown and Indigenous filmmakers at the BlackStar Film Festival from Aug. 2-6. Film screenings will take place on Broad Street’s Avenue of the Arts at The Kimmel Center, Lightbox Film Center and Suzanne Roberts Theatre. For in-person screenings, audio descriptions and closed or open captioning will be available for select films. Virtual screenings of many films will also be available. Additional in-person events, such as parties, panel discussions and conversations, are free to attend. Older adults, aged 55+, can purchase tickets to individual screenings at a 25% discount using the code “youthsenior” at checkout. To view the event scheduled or purchase tickets, visit BlackStarFest.org/festival.

For more arts and culture, Smythe recommends catching a show at one of Philadelphia’s many theaters. The Arden Theater, located at 40 N. 2nd St., is home to theatrical, musical and educational productions for all ages. For program schedules, pricing and tickets, call 215-922-1122 or visit ArdenTheatre.org.

“Catch a breathtaking performance by the Grammy Award-winning Philadelphia Orchestra or see a Broadway show at one of the Kimmel Center’s many stunning venues,” says Smyth. “For dinner and a show, stop in for a

three-course pre-theater meal at James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Garces’ must-try restaurant Volvér, conveniently located on-site at the Kimmel Center.” Check out the summer program schedule and ticket pricing at 215-893-1999 or KimmelCulturalCampus.org.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, is a very accessible museum with rotating, thought-provoking exhibits. Smyth has taken older adult family members to the museum and says they had a lovely time checking out the different exhibits. The ample benches throughout the museum are great for taking breaks as you navigate the large museum. All visitors can enjoy Pay-What-You-Wish admission on the first Sunday of the month and every Friday night from 5-8:45 p.m. On other days, older adults aged 65-plus pay $23 for admission.

The Barnes Foundation, open Thursdays through Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., is home to the world’s largest holdings of Renoir and Cézanne paintings. Older adults can visit the museum, located at 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, for a discounted rate of $23. For more information, 215-278-7000 or BarnesFoundation.org.

For more events and festivals this summer, check out VisitPhilly.com.

(See page 15 for crossword)

Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writing coach.

The Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square is a fun, multicultural and family-friendly event. (Photo by J. Fusco for TIANYU)

Events

JULY 2023

JULY 4

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Send your calendar items to MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org by the 25th of the month (for publication in two months) Questions? Call 215-765-9000, ext. 5081.

JULY 6

BINGO

Play this classic game & build friendships with a great group of people. 12:30 p.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-6987300 | Free; special games: $0.25

JULY 11

FIRE SAFETY TRAINING

Educate & empower yourself to prevent medical & traumatic emergencies. 12-1 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts. 215-546-5879 | Free

JULY 7

CHAIR YOGA

JULY 12

JULY 5

CROCHET CLUB

Bring a project for crafting & conversation. 4 p.m. Richmond Library. 215-685-9992 | Free

JULY 6

TAI CHI

Slow, gentle movements that build both strength & flexibility. 2 p.m. Roxborough Library. 215-685-2550 | Free

Enjoy this twist on traditional yoga, making it accessible for all ages & abilities. 3 p.m. Fumo Family Library. 215-685-1758 | Free

JULY 10

REMEMBERING JAZZ LEGEND

LEE MORGAN

Celebrate the legendary Philadelphia jazz trumpeter’s 85th birthday. Share your memories & photographs, hear stories about the Aqua Lounge & celebrate West Philly’s rich cultural history.

2 p.m. Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library. 215-685-7431 | Free

NUTRITION WORKSHOP

Registered dietitian provides information to promote healthy lifestyles & to build a just, sustainable food system. 1:30 p.m. Walnut Street Library. 215-685-7671 | Free

JULY 13

FILM SCREENING: ‘Black Narcissus’ Watch & discuss this classic film. 6 p.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-5392 | Free

JULY 14

AFFORDABLE HOUSING INFO SESSION

Education about community legal services, estate planning & more. 1-2 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts. 215-546-5879 | Free

JULY 20

COMPUTER CLASS

Learn computer basics or gain more advanced skills. Bring your own device or borrow one on-site. 12:30 p.m. Star Harbor Senior Community Center. 215727-0100 | Initial class is free. $10 for each subsequent class

JULY 28

MAPPING IMAGINATION: THE ART OF WORLD-BUILDING

New exhibition explores the creative & artistic choices that mapmakers use to build worlds & enhance storytelling. 5 p.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-5416 | Free

JULY 31

LINE DANCING

Learn dances from the best instructors, perfect your steps & have fun. 12:30 p.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215698-7300 | Free

JULY 18

CHESS CLUB

Take part in great conversation & learn how to play chess. All skill levels are welcome. 5 p.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-6868665 | Free

JULY 19

ORSON WELLES LECTURE SERIES

Learn about the famous actor’s trials & tribulations in a lecture series. 7:30 p.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-5331 | Free

JULY 21

CERAMICS CLASS

Have fun creating designs with clay. Open to all levels. 10-11:15 a.m. Star Harbor Senior Community Center. 215-727-0100 | $2

FREE CULTURAL EVENTS

The PECO Multicultural Series returns this year. Celebrate the diversity in Philadelphia with a series of familyfriendly cultural festivals. Unless otherwise noted, the following events will be held at Great Plaza on Penn’s Landing. For more information, call 215-922-2FUN or go to DelawareRiverWaterfront.com/events.

• ACANA African Festival – August 6 | 2-8 p.m.

• Festival of India – August 19 | 12-7 p.m.

• Caribbean Festival – August 20 | 12-8 p.m.

• Brazilian Day Philadelphia –September 3 | 1-7 p.m.

JULY 24

SUPPORT GROUP

Group offers suggestions for coping with the issues of today. Led by a trained social worker. 10-11 a.m. Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts. 215-546-5879 | Free

• Mexican Independence Day Festival – September 10 | 2-8 pm

• Taste of the Philippines | October 1

| Time TBD | Cherry Street Pier

See page 7 for more events in Philadelphia

What safety nets are in place for older adults living in poverty?

The Waiver services are available. SNAP benefits and other nutrition programs. There are still home-delivered meals. There’s always a senior center you can go to any day of the week. The traditional, tried and true, services remain in place. Getting connected to these services can really make a difference in someone’s life.

What role will technology play in the future of aging services?

Technology will continue to play a bigger role every day. Even me, at age 47, I sometimes find myself behind the times in technology. I don’t think it’s about a person’s age; it’s about how fast the world is moving. For older adults, the learning curve could be steep. It depends on where you come from in this world. Folks that have worked and are recently retired are used to the technology space. Someone who has not experienced that may not be familiar with technology. Thankfully, there are resources at every public library and senior center to help older adults learn and become comfortable using technology.

I’m a big proponent of telemedicine for older adults. Think about a worker in the field using telemedicine to connect an older consumer with behavioral health services. That’s a huge resource. Some of the skilled facilities don’t have a geriatric psychiatrist at their facility. A patient in Philadelphia County can connect virtually with a doctor in Allegheny County. We’re just touching on it. The possibilities are endless. It’s going to be a game-changer for us – not just in emergencies, but in everyday work. It can help keep people out of already congested emergency rooms, while still getting them quality care and helping to combat some of the health disparities that have existed for a long time.

How will aging services be inclusive of all cultures?

We have to continually educate and pay attention to the local community to find a way to help them meet their needs. We are a very diverse state. Empowering families and grandchildren to help their older loved ones connect with services to bridge the language barrier has to be a priority. These are the solutions we come up with to try to serve people the best we can. Diversity, equity and inclusion are really at the heart of what we do. And they have to be because the face of Pennsylvania is changing for the better. We are addressing those changes.

How can we prepare for aging?

No one is ever prepared. When it happens, you are almost paralyzed. Start the conversation early. We should keep the conversation out in the open and continue honest dialogue about resources, expenses and seeking out professional help when you can. There are free legal services in Philadelphia that really can help guide people to be prepared and to make informed decisions.

What advice do you have for isolated older adults?

Reach out. Just make one call to your AAA. Tell them you feel like you’re not connected and that you need to reconnect. Someone will help get you connected. You can always walk into a senior center. You don’t have to stay. Come in for a grab-and-go meal a few times a week to see if you like it, see if you make a friend. Give things a chance. People are there to help you. People are there who want you there. We’ll help you get connected with a community group or church group in your area. We understand that having faith in someone’s life plays a big part in combatting social isolation.

Alicia M. Colombo is the editor of Milestones.

PCA empowers older adults to age in place with compassionate support

By Bill Conallen

As communities across the country experience a significant demographic shift toward an aging population, the importance of long-term services and supports (LTSS) for older adults becomes increasingly paramount. LTSS encompasses a range of services aimed at ensuring the well-being and quality of life for adults who are older or living with disabilities who may require assistance with daily activities.

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) recognizes the importance of addressing these needs and has developed a range of programs to help older adults maintain their independence, improve their overall well-being, and access the resources they need to age in place.

LTSS plays a crucial role in preserving dignity and quality of life for older adults. With advancing age, individuals may encounter physical and cognitive challenges that impede their ability to carry out essential activities. Services, such as assistance with personal hygiene, mobility and medication management, help facilitate a person’s autonomy.

To initiate many of these critical supports, PCA starts with conducing a thorough in-home assessment of an older adult’s physical, mental, social and functional abilities and needs, using evidence-based assessment tools approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to quantify the level of care and needs in the home.

The outcome of the assessment includes enrollment into the most appropriate care program. One example includes the OPTIONS program,

which provides older adults with essential services in the comfort of their own homes. One example of these essential services includes providing a trained personal care aide to offer daily services, including meal preparation, personal care and light housekeeping. Additionally, the OPTIONS program offers respite care for family caregivers, allowing them to take a break and recharge while their loved ones receive the care they need — adult day services for individuals who require a safe and structured environment during the day; personal emergency response buttons; home-delivered meals; medical equipment and supplies; and home modifications, such as shower grab bars.

OPTIONS participants must be at least 60 years of age and a legal Pennsylvania resident. Additionally, the individual must experience some degree of impairment that impacts daily functioning.

“Home care is any service that is provided in a person’s home, away from a facility, to support independent living,” said Shani Gilmore, PCA’s executive administrator of long-term care. “Home care can include assistance tasks, such as bathing, dressing and grooming, which are what we call ‘activities of daily living.’ Providing home care can enable older adults to stay in their homes for as long as possible, to age in place, rather than having to seek another less independent living situation, such as a nursing home.”

The Domiciliary Care Program (Dom Care) matches certified home providers with those in need of a caring, supportive home. Dom Care residents are unable to live independently, due to physical, emotion-

al or mental impairments, but do not need special around-the-clock attention. Providers are people in the community who want to open their homes to provide care for up to two people.

Care managers match individuals and home providers according to their preferences and work closely with them to ensure that the match remains mutually beneficial. In the process, residents receive room and board, as well as help with medication supervision, laundry and medical appointments.

Another initiative that offers community living options through longterm care is the Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE) Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. SHARE aims to address the housing needs of older adults in the state by providing a platform for older adults who have available living space in their homes to connect with individuals seeking affordable housing options.

PCA also launched a recent collaboration with the online home-sharing platform, Silvernest, named Housemates of Philadelphia County. This home-sharing subscription service allows homeowners and home seekers to digitally connect based on their profiles and preferences. For information, go to pcaCares.org/ housemates-of-philadelphia-county.

Recognizing that some older adults may require a higher level of care, PCA is proud to offer a comprehensive Caregiver Support Program designed to assist, guide and support people caring for older adults. Acknowledging the crucial role of caregivers, PCA’s program offers

a range of resources, including respite care, counseling and training sessions, to ensure that caregivers have the necessary support to provide optimal care while prioritizing their own well-being. By bolstering the caregiver support network, PCA aims to alleviate stress and enhance the caregiving experience, benefiting the older adults they assist.

“I firmly believe that long-term care services play a vital role in the lives of our older adults, enabling them to age with dignity, independence and the support they deserve,” Gilmore said. “At PCA, we understand the unique needs of older adults and the challenges they may face. Our long-term care programs are designed to provide comprehensive assistance, advocating for their rights, empowering families and ensuring that older adults have access to the resources they need to thrive. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our community’s elders and promoting a society that values and supports those who have contributed so much.”

To learn more information about long-term care services for older adults, call the PCA Helpline at 215765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org/services/help-in-the-home.

Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

Free vouchers for fresh produce available to older adults

By Bill Conallen

Eating fresh produce has long been recognized as an essential way to promote the health and well-being of older adults, while also supporting local agriculture. The Pennsylvania Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) helps older adults purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs. Every summer, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) provides as many as 36,000 older Philadelphians with vouchers that can be redeemed for produce at certified farmers markets and farm stands throughout Pennsylvania.

This year, the SFMNP will provide $50 in vouchers – more than double the amount provided last year – to income-eligible Philadelphia County residents aged 60 or older. The vouchers are redeemable in $10 increments through Nov. 30 for the purchase of produce that is grown in Pennsylvania or purchased directly from a Pennsylvania farm-

er. Voucher funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

The nutritional benefits of this initiative are significant. Older adults are encouraged to consume a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables to support their overall health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and enhance their immune systems. Through the SFMNP, older adults gain access to a wide variety of seasonal, locally sourced produce, fostering healthier eating habits and contributing to improved well-being.

The program also has a profound positive impact on local agriculture. By incentivizing older adults to purchase from approved farmers markets and roadside stands, the program bolsters the local farming community and contributes to the sustainability of small-scale agricultural operations.

“When older adults redeem their vouchers at these venues, they di-

Savor fresh Pennsylvania produce

Fresh Dill, Pea, Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

3 cups peas

1 English cucumber, sliced

2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

1 small shallot, thinly sliced

⅓ cup olive oil

1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

2 tsp. granulated sugar

1 ½ tsp. salt, or more to taste

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

3 tsp. fresh dill, chopped

½ tsp. red chili flakes

rectly support local farmers and contribute to the growth and prosperity of Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector,” said Skylar Young, special project coordinator at PCA. “By encouraging the purchase of locally grown produce, the SFMNP helps older adults, and it also promotes environmental sustainability and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.”

The produce voucher program has economic advantages for everyone involved. Older adults receive a tangible benefit in the form of vouchers that can be used to purchase fresh produce, stretching their food budgets and providing cost savings. Additionally, the program helps generate income for local farmers, strengthening the local economy and preserving jobs within the agricultural sector.

“This program has undoubtedly had a positive impact on the health and well-being of older adults while promoting local agriculture,” said

Bea Winn, PCA’s assistant director of health and nutrition. “By empowering older adults to access fresh, nutritious produce and supporting local farmers, the program addresses nutritional needs, strengthens local economies and fosters a sense of community.”

In-person distribution of SFMNP produce vouchers will begin on Monday, July 17. Vouchers will be distributed at PCA, 642 N. Broad St., on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at other locations while supplies last. For the latest information about the program and the availability of produce vouchers, call the PCA Helpline at 215-7659040 or go to pcaCares.org.

Directions: Rinse peas in a colander with warm water and let drain, while you slice the other vegetables.

Add cucumbers, tomatoes, shallot and peas to a medium bowl. Set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegars, salt and pepper. Add sugar and whisk to combine. Pour dressing over the vegetables. Sprinkle with dill and red chili flakes. Toss gently, and serve immediately, or chill for no more than one hour. Any longer and the cucumbers will start to pickle.

(Source: 12tomatoes.com)

Making Philadelphia streets more accessible to all

Dougherty has built a career in disability access. He currently serves as an access and functional needs coordinator for the City, to ensure that public health services are accessible for all residents. He previously worked at Liberty Resources, the lead plaintiff in the case, where he was a policy and project coordinator.

everyone wins with a lot of the access victories. And, not just in terms of specific victories, but with the feeling of inclusion and broadening the consideration of who is able to use things.”

By Jay Nachman

When his daughter, Rosie, was a baby, Liam Dougherty, 33, would hold her safely on his lap while he went about his day using his wheelchair. However, there were other times when traveling alone that he would fall out of his wheelchair at street corners because there were no curb ramps – a cutout between the road and the sidewalk that makes it easier and safer for pedestrians to travel.

That was among the reasons why Dougherty agreed to be one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit Liberty Resources, Inc., et al. v. City of Philadelphia, which sought to make the City’s non-conforming sidewalks

compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Under a settlement reached that was announced in October, the City will install or remediate at least 10,000 curb ramps over the next 15 years with 2,000-ramp milestones every three fiscal years. In addition to the City’s obligations under the ADA to install, remediate and maintain curb ramps, the City will also perform such work on curb ramps annually in response to requests from Philadelphia residents through the City’s 311 system.

“The biggest priority for me was ensuring that I would be able to traverse the city, safely, with my daughter on my lap,” said Dougherty, who lives in Fairmount.

Feedback sought on Master Plan for Older Adults

“It’s important to me that there is as much equity as possible for the residents of our city,” Dougherty said. “It’s always been a priority to me, speaking widely, to ensure that things are built with disability in mind,” he said. “The wheel is an old invention, but it is only recently that cities are being built with the wheel in mind.”

Dougherty said a big part of the lawsuit victory is that it allows for all people to use the city equitably and not be segmented. In addition, he said, the lawsuit settlement gives power of oversight and lets residents know “that the City has your back.”

The more that society thinks of disability as an afterthought, the more alienating disability can be. “If infrastructure is built with disability in mind and interwoven into the way that things work, that’s important to me and to everyone who wants to live in an inclusive space,” Dougherty said.

In July, Dougherty and his wife will have another child. Thanks to the lawsuit, he’ll be able to travel more freely and safely on the sidewalks and streets throughout Philadelphia.

Access can provide helpful outcomes to the entire community. “We like to say in the disability community that the access wins we make are really wide-reaching,” Dougherty said. “People pushing strollers, medical equipment and luggage, or older adults with grocery carts —

To request an ADA curb ramp be installed or repaired, contact the City of Philadelphia by calling 311 or visiting Phila.gov (type “curb ramp” in the search).

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is gathering recommendations for its Master Plan through listening sessions hosted by local Area Agencies on Aging, including Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All Pennsylvanians are encouraged to learn more about the plan and to submit their comments, opinions and questions at aging.pa.gov. You can also submit comments by email to AgingPlan@pa.gov and by U.S. mail to Pennsylvania Department of Aging, c/o Master Plan, 555 Walnut St., 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Stay tuned for an upcoming schedule of listening sessions in the next issue of Milestones. We hope you can join one of these events to provide valuable feedback!

Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.

“People pushing strollers, medical equipment and luggage, or older adults with grocery carts — everyone wins with a lot of the access victories.”

Tips for taking care of aging feet

viding a counterforce. The toenails prevent the soft tissue underneath from shifting and provide a protective layer when someone stubs a toe.

For these reasons, it is important to maintain your toenails. “You don’t want them to be too big or too small,” Dr. Khan said. “If there is discoloration, it needs to be looked at.”

By Jay Nachman

When it comes to healthy feet, the adage “use it, or lose it” is sage advice, according to Dr. Khurram H. Khan, chairman of the Department of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University.

If you are not on your feet regularly, you will lose muscle and bone strength. “We always tell patients, we want you to be active,” Dr. Khan said. “Walking is probably the best exercise for most people, young and old. Bone grows along stress lines. So, wherever there is stress, the bone will grow or be maintained. We want patients to walk. We want them to maintain the calcium definition that comes from ambulation.”

A high percentage of older adults have arthritis and are not active because it hurts to move. “If it is early-stage arthritis, you actually do want to move. That will help with the arthritis,” Dr. Khan explained. “Moving that joint will help. If it is latestage arthritis, we try and do something to help prevent the motion. In those instances, orthotics can be put into shoes so patients can walk without pain.”

If a patient has late-stage arthritis in the big toe, he recommends a shoe that doesn’t bend in the front. “The shoe does some of the motion for you, so your big toe doesn’t have to bend as far as it normally does,” Dr. Khan said. “If that doesn’t control the pain, an insert can be put in the shoe to help prevent the motion.”

When considering foot health, the toenails are also important. When walking, toenails help toes grip the ground by pro-

Visit the area’s largest shoe collection

Discoloration can be caused by a fungus, mold or yeast. Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that can occur in the toenails. When nails split, it can be caused by a vitamin deficiency. Fingernails and toenails are an important window to overall health. “The nails play an important role in guiding us to ask what else is going on in the body,” Dr. Khan said.

He also recommends frequent changing of socks because they hold onto fungus, molds and yeast. Dry skin on the feet should be treated to prevent cracks and fissures. When putting lotion on dry feet, don’t put it between the toes because it’s an area that retains moisture and can cause fungus and bacteria to grow.

For people with diabetes or at risk for diabetes, it is important to see a podiatrist at least once a year. A study by the American Podiatric Medical Association found that one visit to a foot doctor reduces hospitalization and the risk of ulcers and amputation by 25%.

Flip-flops are the worst shoes for older adults. “When wearing flip-flops, you’re relying on just two toes – the big toe and the second toe – to hold the shoe onto your foot,” Dr. Khan said. “We are walking all the time and we use our feet to ambulate, so we want to make sure they are well supported and in good health.”

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers healthy feet tips, resources and a podiatrist finder at apma.org.

BY JAY NACHMAN

Temple University’s School of Podiatric Medicine, located at 148 N. 8th St., has an enormous shoe collection, The Shoe Museum, with approximately 1,000 shoes on display in 13 exhibits.

The museum was founded in 1976 to coincide with the nation’s bicentennial as an added attraction for visitors to the Liberty Bell and Independence Park, which are located two blocks from the museum. The international shoe collection was originally supplied by a long-term loan from the Dr. H. Augustus Wilson shoe collection of the Mütter Museum. Wilson was a noted Philadelphia orthopedist and world traveler who collected footwear from more than 30 countries.

Exhibits at the museum include The Anatomy and Physiology of Shoes, Mummer Shoes, The Locker Room, Shoes in the Arts, A Style for Every Occasion and Shoes of the World.

Admission to the museum is free, but visits must be scheduled in advance by emailing the museum curator Dr. Andrew Meyr at ajmeyr@temple.edu. Tours are available on weekdays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, call 215-777-5750.

Stay safe in the summer heat, sun

Place Names

Everyone must be vigilant about heat and how it can affect those who are most vulnerable, including older adults, people with disabilities and children. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) encourages all Philadelphia residents to check up on anyone who may be more susceptible to illness during hot weather and especially during heat waves.

PCA offers the following tips to help older adults stay safe in the heat.

Stay cool:

• Avoid direct sunlight.

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings. If your home is not air-conditioned, spend hot days at a senior center, library or a trusted friend/ neighbor’s house.

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.

• Drink plenty of water. Do not wait until you’re thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.

Seek medical attention for:

• Heavy sweating.

• Headache.

• Weakness, fatigue, dizziness.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Very high body temperature.

• Confusion.

• Pounding headache.

• Unconsciousness.

When a Heat Health Emergency is declared for the City of Philadelphia, PCA activates its Heatline with extended hours at 215-765-9040 to counsel callers of all ages about taking precautions against heat-related illness and detecting signs of heat stress. For more information, call 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org.

For information about the City’s cooling centers, public pools and spray grounds, call 311 or go to Phila.gov.