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.