Milestones Newspaper June 2024

Protecting vulnerable older adults from risk

WHAT IS PCA?

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is the Area Agency on Aging for Philadelphia County and is 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

Report suspected elder abuse 24/7 to the PCA

Helpline: 215-765-9040 or pcaCares.org.

Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP

President and CEO

PCA Board of Directors 2023-24

Glenn D. Bryan, Chair

Louis G. Colbert, Vice Chair

Eloise Young, Treasurer

Lynn Fields Harris, Secretary

Satya B. Verma, O.D., Immediate Past Chair

Denise Adamucci

Louis A. Bove, Esq.

Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Esq.

Wilmarie Gonzalez

Sandra McNally

Paul Nathanson

Norma D. Thomas, D.S.W.

John Whitman

Jacqueline S. Zinn, Ph.D.

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

Milestones is published monthly and distributed at more than 1,100 locations throughout Philadelphia.

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: Home delivery: $12/year

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. ©2024 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved.

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

One of the greatest responsibilities we have as a society is to protect our most vulnerable citizens. As individuals, we also have the duty to respect and honor our elders. To achieve both goals, we must do all that we can to prevent and stop the abuse or mistreatment of older adults.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 6 people aged 60 or older has experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year. Elder abuse takes many forms including physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, abandonment, and caregiver neglect or self-neglect. (To learn more, read article on page 12.)

With the prevalence of elder abuse, there is a good chance that someone you know or encounter could be impacted and in need of help.

One way to make sure the older adults in our lives are safe and secure is to maintain regular contact with our older family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues. If you normally see someone at a regular location, such as a park, grocery store, senior

center or church, and they have been absent without warning, reach out to find out if they are okay.

When you spend time with older loved ones, look for injuries, including bruises, cuts, burns or bandages. Even if you are not in person, you can ask how they are doing and listen for any significant changes in mood or behavior that seem out of character for the person. Are they suddenly depressed or frightened? Do they talk about new financial troubles or “giving away” large sums of money? Are they more reserved and reluctant to talk or go out than usual?

These may be signs that an older adult is being exploited and abused, but few report it. Embarrassment, fear of retaliation or protection of a loved one may prevent an older adult from admitting to abuse. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is here to investigate claims of elder abuse and self-neglect. If you suspect that an older adult in Philadelphia is experiencing any form of abuse, you can anonymously report it 24/7 to the PCA Helpline at 215765-9040.

On May 6, PCA President and CEO Najja Orr, DBA, FCPP, (left) joined Fox 29’s Alex Holley and Mike Jerrick for Good Day Philadelphia to discuss older adult scams, underscoring the importance of raising awareness about elder fraud.

Historical Society of Pennsylvania holds American treasures

By Jay Nachman

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP), long considered Philadelphia’s Library of American History, is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. Since the society’s founding in 1824, it has collected and preserved an astonishing array of documents, including more than 21 million manuscripts, books and graphic images spanning the 16th through the 21st centuries.

The archives hold priceless pieces, including William Still’s Journal C documenting Harriett Tubman’s arrival in Philadelphia, the first two drafts of the United States Constitution and an original printer’s proof of the Declaration of Independence.

In conjunction with the anniversary, the society published “Two Hundred Years: The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1824-2024,” which features 100

essays highlighting carefully preserved artifacts, spanning the 17th to late 20th century. Drawing on everything from letters, maps, paintings, photographs, family Bibles and musical scores, the book reflects on the early days of the nation; the relationships colonists had with indigenous peoples; the rapid development of Philadelphia; and the evolution of banking, engineering and medicine, among other industries and sectors.

One of the most treasured artifacts in the HSP’s collection is one of 48 copies of the Emancipation Proclamation of Jan. 1, 1863, printed in Philadelphia, signed by Abraham Lincoln and sold at a fair in 1864 for $10 to support relief for soldiers, widows and orphans.

Randall M. Miller, 78, professor emeritus of history at Saint Joseph’s University who served on the editorial committee that organized the book and wrote articles for it, said, “The Emancipation Proclamation is one of the most important documents in American History. When Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, it fundamentally altered the character and direction of the Civil War, and it fundamentally altered the trajectory of the United States because it was a promise to end slavery.”

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued under the constitutional authority of President Lincoln as commander in chief, and it shifted the war aim from not only saving the Union but also to giving new birth to freedom and in effect to remake the Union.

“It was a promise. It had no legal standing after the war because it was a war measure, which is why Lincoln pressed immediately to have a 13th amendment to constitutionalize the end of slavery,” Miller said. “This is one of those critical moments in history where you can say there really is a major shift going on here that is going to have implications not just for that generation but for every generation after, even to our own day.”

Fellow editorial committee member Alice L. George, an independent historian and author, wrote about an advertisement for Wanamaker’s department store in a 1905 catalogue from the society’s John Wanamaker Collection, among her contributions to the book. Department stores, she wrote, were “merchants of dreams.”

George said prior to the appearance of department stores in the 19th century, shoppers would have to go to a little shop for goods. Now, one store had “a huge array of products, some of which they had never seen before and many of which they loved seeing but they didn’t have the money to buy. But it was just as much fun to go to a department store and walk through because it did create dreams for people of what their life could be like.”

People would make a day of going to Wanamaker’s. They would have lunch and talk to the salespeople. “It was exciting and fun and inspirational,” said George, 71, who lives in Center City.

A woman might see a dress at

the store that was “far too expensive for her to buy.” But she could make one like it for herself. “Even people who didn’t have the money could see these grand things and think of ways that they might be able to achieve a different lifestyle,” George said.

Visitors can step into the past and explore the countless artifacts, showcased in curated exhibits, among the Historic Society of Pennsylvania’s collection, located at 1300 Locust St. in Philadelphia. For more information, call 215732-6200 or go to hsp.org/exhibits.

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

Milestones wants to hear from YOU!

We welcome your story ideas, feedback and suggestions. (Story-specific comments or questions will be forwarded to the writer.) Submissions of letters or articles for publication must be signed and dated and include your address and phone number. Submission constitutes permission to edit and publish in any form or medium.

Send ideas, comments & submissions to: Attn: Milestones Editor PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130

Email:milestonesnews@pcaCares. org

PCA reserves the right to not publish any submission;

Jay

Stop Senior Scams: How to spot – and avoid – fake jobs

If you receive a text like this, don’t respond or click any links. It’s likely a scam.

your own boss” or “start your own business.” For example, a company may ship items to you and request that you reship them to another location overseas. You will get promised a check after working for a month, but the check never arrives.

• Nanny, caregiver, and virtual personal assistant job scams. Sometimes, you may receive messages from people who seem to be a part of your community. They’ll send you a check for your “services” in advance and instruct you to deposit part of the money for yourself and to send the rest of the money elsewhere. The check will then bounce, you’ll have to repay the full amount for the fake check, and the scammer will pocket the money you send them.

Getting a new job can be a godsend when you’re struggling to pay the bills, especially if it’s an easy job where you can work from home or perform simple tasks for a paycheck. However, these offers can be too good to be true at times, which is why it’s vital to remain vigilant.

The Federal Trade Commission provides several examples of job scams. These include:

• Work-from-home job scams. These jobs often come with flowery language such as “be

• Mystery shopper scams. Mystery shopping jobs are legitimate, but when a potential employer asks you to pay for “certifications” or to deposit a check and send money back, it’s a scam.

• Job placement service scams. Job placement services, such as temporary or staffing agencies are legitimate but if they ever ask you to pay a fee for their “services” to help you find a job, walk away.

• Government and postal jobs scams. Like the above scams, these employers will ask for a fee in exchange for securing you a job. Remember that

If you believe you have been the victim of a job scam, report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov or to your state attorney general.

If you know an older adult in Philadelphia who may be experiencing financial exploitation, please contact PCA’s Older Adult Protective Services by calling the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040. All calls are confidential.

applying for federal or postal jobs is always free. Avoiding a job scam has been made much easier thanks to the internet. The Federal Trade Commission recommends searching the company online with words such as “scam” or “review” to see if other people have been scammed. Additionally, it is always best to assume that if a company asks you for money, it is a scam. In a recent interview with AARP, Hilary Donnell, the head of corporate social responsibility and public affairs for online security company Aura, said that if an employer asks you to switch from a job platform (e.g., LinkedIn) to another platform to talk about the opportunity, it could likely be a scam. Sometimes, the alternative platform can be encrypted to make tracing the scammer more difficult.

By Jeremy Rodriguez

Jeremy Rodriguez is a freelance journalist, blogger, editor and podcaster.

Inclusion for LGBTQ+ older adults increase, still has room for improvement

By Jeremy Rodriguez

Linda Marucci, 77, remembers a time when homosexuality was listed as a “sociopathic personality disturbance” in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

When she was 18 and a family member found a love letter to a girlfriend, Linda was taken to the emergency room of a hospital in Pennsylvania, where her family member told the astonished person at the front desk that she “needed help for being homosexual.”

“I can still recall the frozen terror of being taken to the hospital to be ‘fixed,’” Marucci said.

Marucci was then given an appointment to see a psychiatrist, but thankfully, she was discharged after three months. She called the psychiatrist a “good guy” since he said the problem wasn’t her being a lesbian. It was finding other people who were.

While Marucci is now out to her colleagues and peers, she admits that she is still hesitant to disclose her identity to medical providers at times due to this initial experience. LGBTQ+ older adults are no stranger to similar narratives, albeit with some that ended on a less positive note than Marucci’s. She pointed out that this demographic may have fewer social supports due to not being married, having children, or family members to rely on.

“Some older LGBTQ+ people have just hidden their whole lives, [hiding] their orientation or their gender identity, because they fear being rejected and not being accepted,” Marucci said.

Marucci’s hypothesis is not unfounded. According to data from SAGE, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults, many LGBTQ+ older people reported delaying or avoiding necessary medical care out of fear of discrimination from health

care staff. That same report also notes that LGBTQ+ older people are twice as likely to be single and live alone; four times less likely to have children; and are more likely to face poverty, homelessness and to have poor physical and mental health.

The data from SAGE also illustrates how the lack of cultural competence in LGBTQ+ health care disproportionately impacts transgender people. Nearly 1 in 4 transgender people report having to teach their health care provider about transgender issues to receive proper care. Furthermore, 15% report being asked invasive or unnecessary questions.

The report also details the climate LGBTQ+ older adults grew up in.

“LGBTQ+ older people came of age at a time when simply being openly LGBTQ+ could get them arrested, fired, or worse,” the report states. “As such, they have experienced discrimination, based on their perceived or actual sexual orientation and gender identity, on many fronts. Moreover, they’ve lived through many years in which this discrimination was condoned and even encouraged by society in the form of laws, policies, and cultural norms. Eighty-two percent report experiencing at least one instance of victimization, such as threats, harassment, or even physical assault.”

However, recent research has illustrated that the tide is turning. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and SAGE recently released the Long-Term Care Equality In-

dex 2023, where 200 long-term care facilities across the country participated to demonstrate their commitment to LGBTQ+ older adults. According to the report, the majority of these communities documented that they include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” in their resident nondiscrimination policy. Furthermore, most key executives engaged in LGBTQ+ competency training.

HRC and SAGE also stated that marketing and advertising to the LGBTQ+ community, while important, does not always reflect LGBTQ+ inclusion.

“During the LEI research and survey review process it was not uncommon to find that a senior housing community would include LGBTQ+ visual symbols like a pride flag on their website to indicate that they were inclusive, yet upon review of their non-discrimination policies we found that they had not been updated to be LGBTQ+ inclusive,” the report reads. “We encourage older LGBTQ+ people or those caring for them to look beyond the website symbols and ask a community about the policies and practices that make them LGBTQ+ inclusive.”

Some initiatives, such as PCA’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, aim to address systemic issues affecting LGBTQ+ older adults. As a result of initiatives like this, Marucci — who currently serves as a representative for the Council — thinks the climate around LGBTQ+ older

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adults will “move forward.”

“I think it is part of who we are as people and I may be optimistic and naive about this, but I think that the genuine goodness of people is really what matters,” she said. “As more people show who they are, being LGBTQ+ won’t matter. People will find more acceptance in their heart.”

PCA to host Public Hearing on 2024-2025 Budget

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is holding a Public Hearing to obtain comments on the fiscal year 2024-2025 proposed budget. It will be held on Wednesday, June 12, from 9-10:30 a.m. at PCA, 642 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130. To register, call 215-765-9000, ext. 5086 or go to pcaCares.org/ events.

The Public Hearing will begin with a review of key points in the fiscal year 2024-2025 proposed budget. The majority of the Public Hearing, however, is reserved for stakeholders, including older adults, to provide comments on the plan and budget. At the end of the Public Hearing, there will be time for questions and answers.

To testify at the Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 12, please register online and submit your written testimony to Tae.Oh@pcaCares.org by June 6. A draft copy of the budget will be made available as soon as possible. If you are interested in receiving this budget draft, please email Tae.Oh@pcaCares. org.

Where possible, those presenting testimony will be grouped by issue area, in order to provide more continuity in the presentations.

Jeremy Rodriguez is a freelance journalist, blogger, editor and podcaster.

June 2024

JUNE 1-30

LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

Events

JUNE 5

JUNE 2

PHILLY PRIDE

Enjoy the annual parade & celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. 10:30 a.m. 5th & Arch streets. 215-398-5003 | Free

JUNE 3

MEDICARE WORKSHOP

Learn about the Medicare benefits system & options for your personal needs. 10 a.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-5331 | Free

JUNE 4

FLAG-MAKING CLASS

Learn about Juneteenth, its effect on African Americans in Philadelphia, symbolism of the Juneteenth flag & other flags of liberation. Create your own real fabric flag with your own symbols. 2:30 p.m. Chestnut Hill Library | Free

Send your calendar items two months in advance to: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org Questions? Call 215-765-9000, ext. 5081.

PHILLY QUEER HISTORY WALKING TOUR

Beyond the Bell Tours takes a one-mile journey through the Gayborhood to learn about Philadelphia’s role in the evolution of LGBTQ+ pride. 6 p.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-5396 | Free

JUNE 6

ART CLASS

Explore various artistic mediums, including painting, watercolors, paper mâché, sketching & collage. 11 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free

JUNE 7

SUMMER OF WONDER KICKOFF PARTY

Food, games, crafts & prizes to celebrate the Free Library’s Summer of Wonder. 3 p.m. Lillian Marrero Library. 215-685-9794 | Free

JUNE 10

‘KNOT’ YOUR GRANDMA’S CRAFTS CLASS

Work on current projects & learn some new skills. 3:30 p.m. Fox Chase Library. 215685-0547 | Free

JUNE 11

FINANCIAL LITERACY CLASS

Financial principles to help with debt & finances. 11:30 a.m. Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library. 215685-7431 | Free

JUNE 11

SCAMS, FRAUD & EXPLOITATION

Tips to help older adults protect themselves from scams & how to navigate the justice system should they become victims. Presented by PCA, PA Office of Attorney General, the Elder Justice Committee & Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Register: 215-282-6499 | Free

JUNE 12

CHAIR

YOGA

Perform yoga poses while seated or using a chair for balance. Chair-based or adaptive yoga offers the same benefits as traditional yoga, like boosting strength, flexibility & relaxation. 10:30 a.m. Andorra Library. 215-685-2552 | Free

JUNE 13

COMPUTER CLASS

Certified instructor leads the class in computer & internet basics. 9 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free

JUNE 14 FLAG DAY

JUNE 14

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Enjoy cultural performances, historical insights & diverse vendors to honor freedom & unity. 10 a.m. Center in the Park. 215-848-7722 ext. 225 | Free

JUNE 15

WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY

JUNE 16

FATHER’S DAY

JUNE 17

PUBLIC HEALTH RESOURCES

Learn about resources from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Free COVID tests, masks & hand sanitizer. 2 p.m. Fumo Family Library. 215-6855488 | Free

JUNE 18

MUSIC THERAPY

Music therapy uses musical interventions to accomplish individualized goals with a credentialed professional. Presented by Settlement Music School. 9 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free

JUNE 19

JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas & announced that all enslaved people were free. It is recognized annually as a day for reflection, education & community gatherings.

JUNE 21

CROCHET CLUB

Learn the basics of crochet or work on your own project. Supplies & instruction will be provided. 3:15 p.m. Oak Lane Library. 215-685-2848 | Free

JUNE 24

FINANCIAL HELP

Topics will range from debt management to accessing annual credit reports. Bring all your financial questions. 2 p.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-5394 | Free

JUNE 25

LGBTQ+ DISCUSSION

Open to all who care about the LGBTQ+ community. Share stories, ask questions & learn more. 12:30 p.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698-7300, ext.193 | Free

JUNE 27

PCA’S CAROUSEL OF TALENT

Take part in this celebration of ageless talent as older adults perform their many talents: singing, dancing & much more. 1:30-3 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts. 215-546-5879 | Free

JUNE 27

YOUR HOME’S NEXT STEP

Moderator David Reibstein, residential real estate broker & senior living advocate, leads a panel discussion about downsizing, senior living communities & moving. 12:30 p.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698-7300 x193 | Free

JUNE 28

PRIDE IN THE PARK

Celebrate Pride Month & show support for the LGBTQ+ community! Experience performances, festivities, & a celebration of diversity & inclusion. 10 a.m. Center in the Park. 215-848-7722 ext. 225 | Free

Boning up on bone health

By Jay Nachman

Two of the nutrients that help maintain bone health are calcium and vitamin D. For men under 70 and women under 50, at least 1,000 milligrams a day of each is recommended, according to Dr. Arjun Ramprasad, sports medicine physician at 3B Orthopaedics at Jefferson Health. That number should increase to 1,200 when women are over 50 and men are over 70. Vitamin D should be complemented with sunlight because “we do need a certain amount of exposure to the sun for the vitamin D to be converted into the form that goes into the bones because both calcium and vitamin D are part of the matrix of the bone that keeps it healthy,” he said.

The reason that women need more nutrients is that women’s bones are not as dense as men’s. And, after menopause, women’s estrogen levels drop causing bone

density to drop more rapidly. For men, if testosterone levels are low, it can negatively affect bone min eral density, Ramprasad explained.

He is fellowship-trained in mus culoskeletal ultrasound for both di agnostic and therapeutic purposes and was a former assistant team physician for the Philadelphia Union soccer team.

Keeping bones healthy and strong can also be helped by weight bearing exercises like walking, jogging, and climbing stairs, which will slow bone decline.

Bones, Ramprasad said, are the skeletal system for the body. They are needed for support to be able to function, which means “walk ing and motion. They provide the backbone, literally, for the body, for the organs and everything else. They also provide stability with activity. In terms of activity or motion, they provide extra support for the cushioning of running, landing and jumping. They also protect our

organs. The way our body is set up, the skeleton surrounds the brain to protect it from injury. The ribs and the chest bones are designed to protect the internal organs like the lungs and the heart. Lower down, the ribs also protect the stomach from trauma or penetrating injury.”

In addition to vitamins and supplements, doctors can prescribe medications to promote bone health.

Typically, Ramprasad said, the end of adolescence is when people reach “skeletal maturity” and bones stop growing. Peak bone mass occurs at around age 20. That holds steady until about age

Less Waiting. More Living.

In addition to vitamins and calcium, a healthy diet can help with bone health and injury avoidance. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can also have negative effects on bone density.

Being both overweight and underweight can affect bone density. “If your BMI (body mass index) is under 19, you may not have enough nutrients to keep the bones healthy so we do have to make sure that you keep your weight at a level that will provide enough vitamins and nutrients to let your body remodel its bone, making sure we have enough of it growing to replace the bones that get damaged and broken down. It’s a constant state of

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Andorra Shopping Center | 701 Cathedral Road | Philadelphia, PA 19128 | (267) 766-6321

(Continued from Page 10)

cycle for the body,” Ramprasad said.

When bones are more fragile, he said, “that’s when they are more likely to break if there’s any sort of injury, even if it is a minor one. We always want to avoid injury but if anything happens, there’s less risk of any sort of large fracture or really bad bone injury, if we keep our bones healthy.”

If an injury occurs, a doctor can prescribe a brace, sling, boot or cast, whatever device is needed so that the bone fragments stay in alignment and heal properly.

Ramprasad also advised older adults to see their primary physicians annually. Sometimes, he said, a doctor can order a bone scan to see if a patient is at risk for a bone-related injury.

(See page 15 for crossword)

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

Shining a light on financial exploitation starts with awareness

By Bill Conallen

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), observed annually on June 15 since 2006, underscores the global imperative to combat elder abuse. Initiated by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization, WEAAD serves as a catalyst for communities worldwide to deepen their understanding of the multifaceted impacts of elder abuse and neglect.

Financial exploitation inflicted upon older adults is one of the most common and devastating forms of elder abuse. It can destroy the financial security of an older adult at a vulnerable stage of life. Financial exploitation can negatively impact physical and emotional health or shorten an older person’s lifespan.

“Scams and financial exploitation against older adults are not only a breach of trust but also a grave injustice that can rob them of their financial securi-

ance to shield them from scams and fraud.”

ty and overall well-being,” said Tamikia Morris, director of Older Adult Protective Services at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). “It’s imperative that we prioritize safeguarding older adults from such exploitation to ensure that people live longer with dignity and peace of mind.”

PCA’s Older Adult Protective Services seeks to proactively shield older adults from financial exploitation by equipping them with the tools to identify and thwart such threats. Through education and empowerment, it attempts to arm older adults with the knowledge necessary to safeguard their finances effectively.

“In instances of victimization, our investigative efforts may involve collaboration with law enforcement to pursue justice and recover lost assets for the affected individuals,” said Morris. “Additionally, we extend our outreach to educate both older adults and their caregivers, raising awareness about the signs of financial exploitation and offering guid-

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, few cases of financial exploitation, relative to the number of victims, are ever raised to the attention of law enforcement or protective services. Estimates of annual losses to older Americans range widely but are in the billions. Though progress has been made in the past nineteen years, WEAAD also serves as a reminder that there is a long way to go in the fight against elder financial exploitation.

On June 11, PCA will host a panel discussion which will delve into the critical topic of preventing financial exploitation and navigating scams effectively. The event will feature a lineup of expert local panelists poised to share practical insights and strategies aimed at bolstering attendees’ financial security and resilience against fraudulent schemes. This session hopes to equip participants with invaluable knowledge to navigate the complexities of safeguarding their finances and identities.

Financial exploitation can profoundly impact the well-being of older adults. As Morris notes, it extends beyond stealing your money. It also includes other fraudulent ways of controlling your assets. Disturbingly, there have been cases where older

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Temple University is seeking adults aged 60 to 85 to participate in a hearing research study. The focus of the study is to examine our ability to perceive and understand speech in noisy conditions. Testing will take place on the Temple University campus. Compensation provided for eligible participants. For more information, contact the Speech Perception and Cognition

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adults were forced into signing over their homes to others. In some cases, relatives have misused older adults’ credit cards. These are just a few examples of the many types of scams out there.

Morris has also noted an uptick in instances where older adults fall victim to romance scams.

“These are particularly challenging because many older adults, grappling with loneliness, crave companionship,” she observed. “Thus, they place their trust in these relationships formed over the phone or computer. It becomes a lifeline for them, a source of solace and support. Per-

Recipe Box

petrators exploit this vulnerability, especially when older adults find themselves isolated within their communities.”

Despite the challenges posed by financial exploitation and other forms of elder abuse, PCA remains focused on its mission to protect older adults. With more than 9,000 reports of elder abuse received annually, PCA’s Helpline serves as a vital resource for concerned individuals to report suspected instances of abuse. Importantly, all reports are treated with confidentiality, ensuring the safety and anonymity of older adults and their caregivers.

Anyone can make a report of

Quinoa, Beet & Arugula Salad

Ingredients:

½ lb. beets, peeled and sliced

2 cups water

1 cup red quinoa

½ cup olive oil

½ cup red wine vinegar

1 ½ tsp. white sugar

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 tsp. salt

¼ tsp. ground black pepper

5 ozs. goat cheese, crumbled

3 ozs. arugula, chopped

2 green onions, sliced

suspected abuse against an older Philadelphian, including strangers, family members, friends, neighbors, church members, medical professionals, home health care workers and older adult abuse victims. These reports are subject to confidentiality.

“Abuse is a major allegation, whether financial or otherwise, that we take very seriously. When we hear about it, we fully investigate it with extreme care,” Morris said. “In the process, we have the opportunity to mitigate risk, harm or injury to an older adult.”

Reports of financial exploitation and other forms of elder abuse of older Philadelphians can be made 24/7 to Philadelphia Corporation for Aging at 215-765-9040.

PCA will present a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day panel discussion about preventing financial exploitation and protecting yourself from scams on June 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at PCA, 642 N. Broad St. The event is free and will include refreshments. To register, call 215-282-6499

Directions:

Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Cover pan and bring water to a boil. Add beets, cover pan and steam until just tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Set it aside.

Place 2 cups water and quinoa in a saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl.

Remove quinoa from heat, then immediately add half of the vinegar dressing while fluffing quinoa with a fork; reserve remaining dressing. Cover and refrigerate quinoa until cool, at least 1 hour.

Stir cheese, arugula, green onions, beets, and remaining dressing into cooled quinoa mixture. Toss lightly before serving.

(Source: AllRecipes.com)

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

Ways to improve women’s bladder health All of me

Bladder health issues, which can include urine leakage, are actually a very common condition for women. There should be no shame in learning about it and addressing it if it is happening. Urine leaks vary in women and may range from a little at a time, to much more.

According to a study by the American Urogynecologic Society, more than 83% of women 70 years and older experience bladder leakage. The condition typically peaks among women 50 to 60.

Women may experience embarrassment or social anxiety about frequent use of the restroom or urine leakage. The condition affects people when they’re doing simple things, like drinking fluids or laughing too hard, which may cause them to miss social gatherings and important events. Bladder leakage may also affect sexual function and sleep patterns, leading to depression and anxiety.

Besides leakage of urine, symptoms may include bowel leakage or urgency to have a bowel movement, organ prolapse (slipping out of place), and urinary tract infections.

Chronic health conditions, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s

disease, may impact bladder function. Other common causes of urinary incontinence include weight gain and obesity, high blood pressure, and chronic constipation.

Several treatments for bladder leakage may relieve symptoms. Options differ depending on the type of bladder leakage, severity of symptoms and previous treatments.

Medications for bladder leakage work by relaxing the bladder muscle. The bladder is like a big balloon surrounded by a dome of muscle that squeezes and makes people urinate. With urinary incontinence, those muscles squeeze when they shouldn’t.

For older adults, medications may cause some negative side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, memory loss or confusion. Outpatient procedures, such as urethral injections or Botox injections in the bladder, may be more appropriate.

Other non-surgical treatment options include tibial nerve stimulation with acupuncture which inserts a needle into the ankle near the tibial nerve or pelvic floor therapy, which provides specialized care to support your pelvic health.

While urinary incontinence is a common condition, it shouldn’t be considered normal. Many advancements have been made in treatment that can help restore quality of life and dignity. If you have any of these types of health concerns, please schedule an appointment with your health care provider.

(Source: HealthDay News)

Neil R. Manausa