NEWS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS
A Publication of
JUNE 2022 • FREE IN THIS ISSUE
HONOR, CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH
P5P4 LGBTQ+ OLDER ADULTS SHARE LOVE STORIES
Together, we can stop elder abuse.
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Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans experience abuse, neglect or exploitation. Working together, we can build the social supports to prevent, detect and stop this abuse and keep everyone safe as we age.
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Build strong support for our elders By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA president & CEO
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 For more information, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org.
Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Najja R. Orr, 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 G. Colbert, Treasurer Louis A. Bove, Esq. Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Esq. Lynn Fields Harris Katherine E. Galluzzi, D.O., FACOFP Sandra McNally Paul Nathanson Eloise N. Young Jacqueline S. Zinn, Ph.D. Emeritus: Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M.
Call 24/7 to report suspected elder abuse. PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040 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
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. ©2022 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved.
Among the greatest obligations of a compassionate society is to extend a lifeline to those in need. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, held annually on June 15, is a call to action for all of us to recognize the pivotal role we can play, to get involved and to report and intervene to stop elder abuse. Elder abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts that cause harm to an older person. Elder abuse takes many forms: neglect, as well as physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse, and financial exploitation. As a person ages, it may become more difficult to stay engaged with and connected to the community. As a result, older people are more likely to experience social isolation, which increases the likelihood of abuse and neglect. Elder abuse affects older people across all socioeconomic groups, cultures and races. It often occurs when an older adult becomes disconnected from social supports. Older adults can experience abuse in any setting, including nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living residences and even in their own homes. Older people are vital, contributing members of society and their mistreatment diminishes all of us. When we address a root cause, like social isolation, we make it less likely that people will experience neglect. Older adults who are socially connected and protected from harm are less likely to be hospitalized, go into nursing homes, or die prematurely, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. We can and must create healthier and safer living environments for older adults. There are many ways to get involved in strengthening our communities and preventing elder abuse: • Talk about it with your leaders and
neighbors. • Recognize the warning signs. Educate yourself and others to these warnings. (See article on page 4) • Volunteer to be a friendly visitor and regularly call, text and/or visit an older person living in the community. • Don’t tolerate ageism. At any age, older adults should be treated with dignity and respect. Together, we can stop elder abuse and live in a world that respects and honors all people. If you suspect elder abuse of an older Philadelphian, you can make a confidential report 24/7 to the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040. Funded by PCA
Elder abuse facts: • Five million older Americans are abused every year. • The annual loss by victims of financial abuse is $36.5 billion. • One in 10 Americans aged 60-plus has experienced some form of elder abuse. • It is estimated that only one in 24 cases of abuse is reported to authorities. • In almost 60% of elder abuse incidents, the perpetrator is a family member. Two thirds of perpetrators are adult children or spouses. Source: National Council on Aging
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Stopping elder abuse starts with awareness By Jay Nachman If it’s summer and 90 degrees outside and an older adult is wearing a winter coat, it may be a sign of elder abuse. That’s one tip offered by Tamikia Morris, director of older adult protective services (OAPS) at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), a department which works to detect, report and prevent abuse among older adults in Philadelphia. Every year on June 15, PCA recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). The observance was started by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization, and provides an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the cultural, social, economic and demographic effects caused by the abuse and neglect of older people. PCA investigates and handles elder abuse
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that occurs anywhere in Philadelphia, including facilities and within the community. “We want to make sure that an individual has all that is being promised to them while living in that facility setting,” Morris said.
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“When investigating a claim [of suspected elder abuse] in a facility, investigators are trained to pay attention to their senses. What do you see? What does it smell like? What do you hear? If you touch the bedsheet, is it wet? Are there spaces (for the older adult) to socialize and enjoy recreation?” Many forms of harm can take place: financial exploitation, self-neglect and physical abuse. Challenging family dynamics can often hinder investigators’ efforts to intervene to stop elder abuse. “One thing that family members and friends can look for in older adults is bruises,” Morris said. Although older adults can injure themselves by bumping into things and/or falling, “multiple bruises in different places [on the body], or frequent bruising, tell a story about something else that may be going on.” Additional warning signs of possible elder abuse may include changes in behavior patterns. “If an older adult who is very social and easy to communicate with shuts down when certain people are around,” Morris said, “it may be a sign of something else that is going on in that relationship.” Financial exploitation appears in several ways and can have lasting effects on an older adult’s well-being. “It’s not just money; it can be assets, too,” Morris said. “There are instanc-
es when older adults have had someone sign their house over to another person. Credit card scams occur when a relative has an older adult’s credit card and buys things for their personal use, rather than on behalf of their relative.” Morris has seen an increase in older adults being taken advantage of by romance scams. “Those are the toughest ones because some older adults are extremely lonely and to have someone, or to feel like you have someone, is all that many of them want,” she said. “So, they believe in these relationships that are built over the phone [or computer], and they fall for them because it’s a companion to them. It’s a source of support. When older adults are isolated in the community, perpetrators are taking advantage of that.” PCA receives approximately 5,000 reports of elder abuse each year. Reports of suspected elder abuse can be made 24/7 to the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040. “Someone is always available to take the report and go out to initiate an investigation, if need be, no matter what time,” Morris said. Anyone can make a report of 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. All reports are kept confidential. The older adult or perpetrator will never know who made the report. “Abuse is a major allegation that we take extremely seriously. When we hear about it, we investigate it to the fullest extent possible,” Morris said. “We have the opportunity to mitigate risk, harm or injury to an older adult. We’re able to intervene at a crucial time to put supports in place, which can include moving the older adult into a safer place, separating them from an alleged perpetrator, or providing services to help the older adult remain safely in their home and community.” Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.
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Honor, celebrate Juneteenth By Pamela Diaconis On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all enslaved people in the Confederate states were free. However, it was not until 2 ½ years later, on June 19, 1865, that Union soldiers brought the news to Galveston, Texas. Enforcement of the proclamation generally relied upon the advance of Union troops. Texas, as the most remote state of the former Confederacy, had seen an expansion of slavery as the Civil War ended in April 1865. Since there were very few battles in Texas during the war, there had been no Union soldiers to inform enslaved Africans about the Emancipation Proclamation or to provide them safe haven. Therefore, enforcement there had been slow and inconsistent. Juneteenth started as a local pilgrimage to Galveston by former enslaved individuals. It is now the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Texas was the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday in 1980. Pennsylvania established June 19 as a state holiday in 2019. The following year, Philadelphia issued a proclamation to recognize Juneteenth as a City holiday. “This designation of Juneteenth represents my administration’s commitment to reckon with our own role in maintaining racial inequities and our understanding of the magnitude of work that lies ahead,” affirmed Mayor Jim Kenney in the announcement. President Joe Biden recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021, making it the first holiday added to the calendar since Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday was established in 1983. Also referred to as “Freedom Day,” “Emancipation Day” or “Jubilee Day,” some honor Juneteenth by taking private
time for personal contemplation about what they consider to be the true “Independence Day” for Blacks, since the Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776, did not acknowledge people of color. Juneteenth has become not only a time to commemorate Black liberation from the institution of slavery, but also a time to highlight the resilience, solidarity and culture of the Black community. It is a time for Black Americans to reflect on their ancestral roots and to celebrate the freedoms that generations have fought to secure. All people, regardless of race or religion, should recognize this important day and acknowledge it in a way that is meaningful to them. Gestures of solidarity and support to mark the day include patronizing Black-owned businesses, reading books by Black authors and sharing the history of Juneteenth with grandchildren. More social methods of celebration can include intimate family gatherings, church picnics in local parks, parades, and major events in cities and towns around the country.
Juneteenth events in Philly Philadelphia’s Juneteenth festivities have grown to be among the largest in the nation, with activities including a parade, local celebrations and arts performances. The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival, on June 19, features more than 2,000 participants and draws more than 25,000 attendees along a 1.5-mile route. Starting at 52nd and Market streets, the parade makes its way through the 52nd St. business corridor, concluding at Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine streets). The park will also house approximately 250 vendors, including local merchants selling food and other wares, art exhibits, and COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. A Children’s Village, providing face painting and games, will be held across the street in the parking lot of Global Academy South-
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west, 5200 Pine St. For more information about the City ‘s Juneteenth activities or to volunteer, go to JuneteenthPhilly.org or call 267-225-3108. Juneteenth Block Party: Celebrating the Legacy of Emancipation – June 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the African American Museum of Philadelphia, 701 Arch St. Live entertainment, dignitaries, performances, arts and crafts, food, and vendors. Free and open to the public, but registration is required starting June 1 at aampmuseum.org. For more information, call the museum at 215-574-0380. Black Music City 2 – June 19, from 1-4 p.m., at World Café Live Philadelphia, 3025 Walnut St. Second annual celebration of the rich history of Black music in Philadelphia, with performances by 46
new Black artists. Tickets are free. Register at Eventbrite.com, by typing “Black Music City” in the search box. Pamela Diaconis is the development manager at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
Crossword Puzzle Solution (See page 15 for clues)
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Love
: r i a e in th
s t l u d a r e d l o + Q LGBT r i e h t r e rememb e first lov By Jay Nachman
The intriguing stranger
It was winter in St. Louis, and Katherine Allen had spent the day sledding on Art Hill by the St. Louis Art Museum. Afterward, Allen, then in her early 20s, went to a party with some friends. “I just saw somebody walk by, and she looked very intriguing,” said Allen, now 66, an accessibility consultant in Center City. She kept her eye on the mysterious stranger all night. As she was leaving, Allen introduced herself to this intriguing wom- Katherine Allen with her dogs an and they started talking. She learned the in Martha’s Vineyard. woman’s name, Jan, and was invited to visit her the next day. A seven-year relationship followed. “I think we were just smitten from the beginning,” said Allen. “It was love at first sight.” Allen began working for the railroad in Ohio, while Jan went to chiropractic school. The couple lived together happily for a while, until, as it sometimes happens in relationships, they began to grow apart. Allen recalls their time together fondly, “We really did have a very sweet romance, and she was somebody who made every space beautiful.”
There is beauty in all love. This month, Milestones features some sweet first love stories from LGBTQ+ older adults, who are often marginalized and judged for their lifestyle. Sharing in their joy reminds us all that love comes in many forms, and each is beautiful. A chance meeting
When Mark Jacoby was in his early 20s and a recent graduate of Long Island University, he found love in an unusual place – at a birthday party for his father. There, he met a party guest, named Danny, who came as a date with his cousin Marcy, who was gay and closeted at the time. “Danny and I just clicked,” said Jacoby, now 71, a retired real estate businessman in Center City. After the party, the two spent time together and a romance began. But it wasn’t quite a storybook romance: Danny was also seeing somebody else. Still, as Jacoby recalls, it was quite wonderful. “I really fell in love with Danny,” he said. “We never argued. We just really enjoyed each other. We had a lot of fun.” Jacoby remembers a special moment about his first love: “I remember going to Danny’s house every Wednesday, and he would cook me spaghetti. He was Italian. He also played the piano, so he’d be sitting down and start playing music, and we hung out.” Ultimately, Jacoby got frustrated with Danny’s limited availability and ended the relationship. “I wasn’t mad or jealous or anything like that,” he said. “I decided that I didn’t want that kind of relationship. Even though I really cared very much for him, I just had to break up with Danny. We remained friends.”
Love endures
Cat-owner and Queen Village resident Jay Donner, 82, has a few tips for what makes a successful long-term relationship. “Pets, if you feel the same about them, which we do, are something that holds you together and can make you happy,” he said. There is also something about being able to make each other laugh and “figure out who is better at doing what in the relationship.” Donner, a retired businessman and lawyer, has been with his partner, Wendell Jones, 65, a retired IT professional, since the two first met in 1976. They were married in 2016. The 45-year romance started when Donner placed a personal ad in a local weekly. Two weeks after meeting, Jones, then a student at the University of Pennsylvania, moved in with Donner. Over the years, the couple has occasionally been met with prejudice, both for being an interracial couple — Jones is Black and Donner is white — and for being gay. But that’s mostly a thing of the past. “We meet people as a couple, so people know we’re a couple. It’s been years since it made any difference whatsoever, and I find that exceptionally positive,” Donner said. “We’ve been quite happy together with the usual ups and downs.” Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.
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Events
Send your calendar items to MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org by the 25th of the month (for publication in month after next) Questions? 215-765-9000, ext. 5081
THURSDAYS STARTING JUNE 2 LINE DANCING
JUNE 7 ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Instructor Gloria Kingcade leads a great workout through the movement of dance. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Star Harbor Senior Community Center. 215-727-0100. Cost: 3 classes for $5
Build your own ice cream bowl. Enjoy music, ice-cream trivia, and more. 12-2 p.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610, ext. 1206. Cost: $5
FRIDAYS STARTING JUNE 3 CIRCUIT LIVING
Learn the latest line dances. 10-11 a.m. Philadelphia Senior Center – Allegheny. 267-286-1455
TUESDAYS STARTING JUNE 7 PINOCHLE CARD GAMES
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center – Allegheny. 267-286-1455. (Tuesdays & Fridays)
JUNE 15
JUNE 24 ADDRESSING HEALTH MISINFORMATION
Learn how to spot information that is false, inaccurate or misleading. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts. Register: 215-546-5879
JUNE 15 FATHER’S DAY POP-UP BOUTIQUE 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Front porch, Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts. Register: 215-546-5879
JUNE 15 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation with live music, a theatrical reading & an ice cream social. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Star Harbor Senior Community Center. 215-727-0100
JUNE 10 SILVER CELEBRATION CLUB
JUNE 18-20 JUNETEENTH AT THE MUSEUM
Explore the continuing struggle for equality for all & mark the anniversary of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. The date commemorates the day in 1865 when the abolition of slavery reached the deepest parts of the former Confederacy in Texas. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum of the American Revolution: 215- 253-6731 | AmRevMuseum.org
Herbalist & gardener Elise Hanks of Terra Luna will share tips & tricks for growing your own medicinal & culinary herb plants. 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610, ext. 1206. Suggested donation: $2
JUNE 14 FLAG DAY JUNE 17 ALL ABOUT FATHERS
Father’s Day celebration with music, live entertainment, treats & fun. 10:30 a.m. St. Edmond Senior Community Center. 215-790-9530 ext. 5119
JUNE 21 SUMMER CONCERT
Trinity Center for Urban Life presents Ronald Campbell, bass baritone, & pianist Steven Moyer. 1-2 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts. Register: 215-546-5879
JUNE 23 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
Virtual job search seminar for mature job seekers. Learn what HR recruiters look for in a job candidate, how to make the most out of your resume & ace a job interview. 10 a.m.to 12 p.m. Host: JEVS Career Solutions for 55+. 215-854-1800. Register: jevshumanservices.org/events
Birthday party for older adults. 5-8 p.m. Oak Street Health - Cobbs Creek. 267225-3448
JUNE 7 HERB GARDENING BASICS
JUNE 19 JUNETEENTH
JUNE 19
JUNE 24 SUMMER JAM
Block party. 12-8 p.m. Oak Street Health - Cobbs Creek. 267-225-3448
JUNE 30 RESOURCE & UTILITIES FAIR
Assistance with rent & bill payment. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oak Street Health Cobbs Creek. 267-225-3448
LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH
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Virtual Job Search Seminar for Mature Jobseekers WHEN: WHERE: TIME: REGISTER:
Thursday, June 23, 2022 Online, link will be sent to you upon registration 10 am–12 noon Call 267-647-7173 or register online:
www.jevshumanservices.org/JobSeminar
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - How YOU can be successful in today’s job search and workplace - Insider tips from HR recruiters on résumés, marketing your skills & more! - Understanding age employment discrimination PLUS, DISCOVER WAYS TO WIN THE JOB SEARCH COMPETITION: - How to stand out (“brand” yourself) online - How to network effectively - How to ace an interview - How to emphasize what employers value
Plus, learn more about free job search and one-on-one career consulting services provided by JEVS Career Solutions for 55+ This program is made available via Philadelphia Corp. for Aging with funding provided by the PA Dept. of Aging.
JUNE 2022
Fun things to do in Philly By John DeAngelis Summertime is officially here! With COVID restrictions lightened, it is time to venture outside for fun, learning, companionship and enrichment. After two years of business closures and event cancellations, you may need some help deciding what to do. Here are some great spots that Philadelphia has to offer. Fairmount Water Works, located at 640 Waterworks Dr., is the site of our nation’s first successful municipal water supply system. Visitors to this National Historic Landmark can learn about its innovative design, technology and operation, and how the supply of clean, fresh water contributed to the growth of Philadelphia in the 1800s. Free, 30-minute walking tours are offered at the front entrance on Thursdays and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The waterfront destination offers scenic views of Boathouse Row and the Center City skyline, as well as easy access to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, located nearby at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (PhilaMuseum.org | 215-763-8100). Hours of operation: Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Admission: Free | 215-685-0723 | FairmountWaterWorks.org Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, located on the grounds of the Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park at Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives, is a traditional, 17th-century Japanese house and 1.2-acre garden that reflects the history of Japanese culture in the city. Built in Japan in 1953 and exhibited at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art, the house was moved in 1957 to West Fairmount Park where it remains today. Visitors are invited to tour the house and feed the koi fish
that swim in a pond under a 75-year-old weeping cherry tree, as well as explore the garden landscape and newly added pebble beach. As a historic structure, the house is not wheelchair accessible. Canes and wheelless walkers with soft tips are permitted in the house. There is limited wheelchair accessibility to the garden. Hours of operation: March 23 through Oct. 30, Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Nov. 5 through Dec. 11, weekends, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Admission: $9/older adults | Free parking | 215878-5097 | JapanPhilly.org/shofuso There are vast dining options available all throughout Philadelphia. One that stands above the rest is the Reading Terminal Market, located since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building at 51 N. 12th St. in Center City. This lively indoor food hall and marketplace features a wide array of family-owned vendors that offer a variety of globally inspired foods and cuisines. While the terminal’s dine-in options are the main draw, there are plenty of vendors that sell fresh, high-quality foods. You can purchase spices, produce, meats, fish, cheeses, chocolates and more for make-at-home meals. Hours of operation: Daily, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Pennsylvania Dutch merchants closed Sunday)| Admission: Free | Parking: $4-$5 at two nearby garages | ReadingTerminalMarket.org | 215-922-2317
Getting around The Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop is a quick, easy and inexpensive connection to the city’s key historic attractions and cultural institutions. Philly PHLASH takes riders to all major museums and parks: • Penn’s Landing & Chestnut Street
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J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in West Fairmount Park
Overpass: Spruce Street Harbor Park | Independence Seaport Museum | RiverLink Ferry • Benjamin Franklin Museum | Betsy Ross House | Christ Church & Burial Ground • Independence Hall & Visitor Center | Liberty Bell National Museum of American Jewish History | National Constitution Center • Reading Terminal Market | Pennsylvania Convention Center | Dilworth Park • LOVE Park & Visitor Center | Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts | Lenfest Plaza • Sister Cities Park | Children’s Discovery Garden | The Academy of Natural Sciences |Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul • Barnes Foundation | Free Library of Philadelphia • Rodin Museum • Eastern State Penitentiary
• Transfer to Philadelphia Zoo | Please Touch Museum Loop | Shofusu • Philadelphia Museum of Art | Fairmount Water Works | Boathouse Row Hours of operation: Daily, during summer months (May 27-Sept. 5), every 15 minutes, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Cost: Free for older adults, children 4 and younger, SEPTA key and pass holders | 1-800-5377676 | phillyPHLASH.com *** For more information on events, dining options, local attractions and activities in the Philadelphia area, call 1-800-5377676, go to VisitPhilly.com or stop by the Independence Visitors Center at 599 Market St. (open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). It’s unbelievable how much the city has to offer. Have a great summer! John DeAngelis is the multimedia communications specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
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CARING HOMES FOR ADULTS iStock
Offices are open for in-person services
Dom Care (Domiciliary Care), provides adults with disabilities a supporting, caring and comfortable home with a family or individual. Dom Care home providers give support to adult individuals, 18 and older, who are unable to live independently because of a physical or mental disability. Home providers are responsible for most of the person’s daily needs, including meals, laundry, personal hygiene and medication administration. In return, home providers receive a monthly stipend. Individuals will receive emotional support, assistance with daily needs and the opportunity to live in a homelike environment within the community. Eligibility for participation in the Dom Care program is determined through an assessment completed by PCA’s Long Term Care Access Department.
To learn more about becoming a Dom Care home provider or resident, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org/DomCare.
What to know, before you go After exclusively conducting online and telephone business operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Social Security Administration (SSA) re-opened its Philadelphia branches for in-person services in April. If you are planning to visit your local SSA branch, there are a few things you should know.
pointment. To find your local branch, call 1-800-772-1213 or go to ssa.gov/locate to search by your ZIP code. For quicker access to a representative, try calling early in the day (8-10 a.m.) or later in the afternoon (4-7 p.m.). The SSA website also notes that phone representatives are less busy later in the week, from Wednesday to Friday, and later in the month.
Be prepared
In-person services
By Mary Anna Rodabaugh
Currently, all SSA branches require visitors to wear a face mask before entering the office. If you do not have a face mask, one will be provided to you. Due to the size of certain offices, the number of visitors may be limited to adhere to social distancing for everyone’s health and safety. Therefore, if you stop by during a busy time, you may be asked to wait outside, so you should prepare accordingly. Typically, the busiest times are Mondays, the morning after a federal holiday and the first week of the month. Visitors are asked to come alone unless they require a support person for assistance. To reduce your wait time, you can call your local branch to make an ap-
“We do accept walk-ins as well, but most of our services and business can be conducted online,” says Richard Gaudiosi, SSA public affairs specialist. “Some folks may prefer to come in person, which is understandable.” Even though most services are available online or by phone, your local SSA branch representatives can assist with Social Security application questions, check your application or eligibility status, provide information regarding Social Security check disbursement, and help you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you are eligible. Continued on page 14
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Atrial fibrillation: How to stay healthy By Mary Anna Rodabaugh Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is the most common type of arrhythmia. It occurs when the heartbeat has a very irregular, and often rapid, rhythm that can lead to blood clots in the heart. Since the heart’s chambers beat out of sync, causing an irregular blood flow, AFib could also cause a stroke. More than 454,000 people are hospitalized each year for AFib, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. The death rate from AFib as the primary or a contributing cause has steadily increased for more than two decades. It is estimated that 12.1 million Americans will have AFib in 2030. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk for AFib and to control the con-
dition if you have it. “There are a number of risk factors for atrial fibrillation,” says Dr. Daniel Frisch, associate professor of medicine and director of the atrial fibrillation program at Thomas Jefferson University. “Certainly, the presence of other heart conditions, including hypertension, diabetes and coronary disease, contribute (to the risk of AFib). But other factors, such as sleep apnea and obesity, are important risk factors as well.” Frisch notes there are lifestyle changes that can actively reduce the chances of getting AFib. For many cardiac conditions, a healthy lifestyle is paramount. Getting regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and losing weight can positively influence a person’s overall
health. Medicine is meant to be an add-on to adopting a healthy lifestyle and not the reverse.
Symptoms Sometimes, AFib presents no symptoms. However, there are general symptoms that people with AFib tend to experience. These symptoms include a rapid heartbeat, a fluttering feeling of the heart, dizziness and shortness of breath. Atrial fibrillation can also cause unexplained fatigue or exercise intolerance. “These are somewhat deceptive symptoms, but should nonetheless be taken seriously,” says Frisch. If you have any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor to determine the underlying cause. If you experience chest pains, call 911.
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Treatment There are several categories of medications that may be used to treat AFib. Beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers slow the heart rate down, but do not necessarily stop atrial fibrillation. Anti-arrhythmic medicines are dedicated to suppressing atrial fibrillation. While unlikely to stop an episode of atrial fibrillation, they are helpful to preventing an AFib recurrence in patients who are in normal rhythm. Continued on page 14
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Milestones 14
Can you hear speech in background noise? 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 (SPAC) Lab 215-204-1478 or spaclab@temple.edu Speech Perception and Cognition Lab Jing Shen PhD, Principal Investigator
JUNE 2022
Social security • continued from page 5
“There could be cases where a person is in dire (financial) need and hasn’t received their Social Security check as scheduled,” Gaudiosi said. “That would be a situation where they would probably want to come into the office.”
Lose your card?
One of the more common requests is to replace a lost Social Security card. Gaudiosi wants to remind the community that cards cannot be replaced at a local Social Security branch. Instead, replacement cards and all other card services must be requested either online or at the Social Security Administration Card Center, located at 2 Penn Center, Suite 2000B, at 1500 JFK Blvd. in Center City. You will need a driver’s license or state-issued ID card to complete your replacement card request. The Philadelphia card center is open weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To make an appointment or for information,
Atrial fibrillation • continued from page 7
People with AFib may be prescribed anticoagulants or blood thinners. Of the three drug categories, blood thinners are arguably the most important because they can prevent blood clots, which could lead to a stroke.
Monitoring There are tools that can be used to monitor atrial fibrillation, such as smart watches and fitness trackers. “Personally, I am a big fan of wearable technology, and I recommend it to many of our patients,” says Frisch. “However, there are certain ‘rules of use’ that must be taken into consideration.” First and foremost, patients should talk directly with their primary care physician and cardiologist to make sure both sides agree a commercially owned device is the best strategy for treatment.
call 1-877-541-5846. “For people who do not live in Center City, say Germantown or the Northeast, going to the Card Center might not be convenient,” says Gaudiosi. “We just want to remind everyone that they can also apply for a replacement card online, and it will be mailed to your address.” Online Social Security services can be accessed at ssa.gov/MyAccount, a secure, online portal that allows you to estimate future benefits, manage current benefits, check application status, and request a replacement Social Security card. Even if you are not receiving benefits, you can still register for a free My Social Security account and get personalized retirement benefit estimates for yourself and your spouse, obtain proof you did not receive benefits, or view your Social Security statement. Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writing coach.
“I certainly would not want one of my patients to think that I am receiving information (from the device), when I am not,” says Frisch. “I would also want to make sure the recordings that are sent over are of usable quality and actually help with the management of atrial fibrillation,” Frisch has had many patients who do better when they use wearable technology, noting that the ability to document one’s own heart rhythm can be reassuring, whether or not that information is shared with the patient’s health care provider. There are a lot of different treatment options to help people with atrial fibrillation to suppress the arrhythmia and reduce the risk of a stroke. If you think you have symptoms or want to learn more about this condition, please talk to your health care provider. Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writing coach.
JUNE 2022
Crossword
Health Brief
Home safety tips for older adults
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1 Musical opp. of dim. 6 Cousin of a jardin 10 Urban haze 14 Marx brother 15 Baltic feeder 16 Former late-night TV host 17 Sub detector 18 Certain bond 19 Architectural border 20 “Apartment house” bird
Emergency phone numbers
Prevent falls If you have difficulty with balance or walking, are afraid of failing, or have fallen previously, talk to your health care provider about having a falls risk assessment. You may benefit from an exercise program to prevent falls and/or a medical alert device. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging can provide information about falls prevention programs at 215-765-9040. Here are some falls-prevention tips: • Don’t rush to answer the phone. Instead, carry a cordless or mobile phone with you around the house, or use an answering machine to take messages. • When walking on smooth floors, wear non-slip footwear, such as slippers with rubber bottoms or flat shoes. • Always use your cane or a walker if you need one. Don’t support yourself by holding onto walls and furniture.
Safety-proof your home • Make sure all hallways, stairs and paths are well lit and free of objects.
Solution: The solution can be found on page 6.
All in a Name
To help you remain healthy and independent, it’s increasingly important to avoid injuries in your home. Falls, burns and poisonings are among the most common at-home accidents involving older people. Here’s what you need to do to stay safe. Keep a list of emergency numbers by each telephone and also store these numbers in your mobile phone for easy access. Write this information in large enough print that you can read it easily if you are in a hurry or frightened. List numbers for poison control (1-800-222-1222), a close family member or friend who you can call in an emergency, your primary health care provider’s office, and the local police department. If you are injured or involved in a crime, always call 911 first.
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23 Turn-of-thecentury diva 26 “Roaring” decade 27 New Haven name 28 Small quantity 30 Yemini port 31 Eighth Arabic letter 32 Auto maneuver 35 Inviting letters 38 Joined the mil. 39 Popular cocktail
42 Possessive pronoun 43 Oriental sauces 45 Join securely 46 Poet’s preposition 47 Kiwi’s cousins 50 Rothko output 51 Future adm. 52 More like a clear night 56 Macbeth, et al. 58 Reformation leader
60 Poker stake 61 Colorado tributary 62 The Cosby Show actress 66 Fuss 67 Soissons summers 68 Unanimously 69 Layers 70 Office fixture 71 Beau ____, Gary Cooper oldie
10 More curt 11 Wall Street actor 12 Fran’s friend 13 Secluded valleys 21 Lariat 22 Linking word 23 Walter Reed’s quarry 24 Grassy plain 25 Longtime Yankee 29 Actor Reynolds
33 Map abbreviation 34 Actress Foch 36 Nemo’s creator 37 Iron 40 ____ Cape, top of Europe 41 Virtually certain 44 Some classifiers 48 Jackie’s second 49 Scorched 52 Becker specialty
53 La Plume de Ma _____ 54 Type size 55 Governs 57 Heeded the alarm 59 Job 63 Negatives 64 Tolkien creation 65 Kind of shirt
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• Use handrails when going up and down the stairs. Never place items near stairs. • Secure all area rugs to the floor so they do not move when you walk on them.
Prevent fires • Plan at least two exit routes to get out of your apartment or home. • If there is a fire in your home, don’t try to put it out yourself. Leave, then call 911. • When you’re cooking, don’t wear loose clothing or shirts with long sleeves. • Don’t plug too many electric cords into one socket or extension cord. Replace appliances and electronics that have fraying or damaged electrical cords. • Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home. Test it and replace the batteries twice a year. • Never smoke in bed or leave candles burning in an empty room.
Avoid bathroom hazards • Set the water heater thermostat no higher than 120° F to prevent scalding. • Put rubber mats in the bathtub. • If you are having a hard time getting in and out of your tub, or on and off the toilet, consider installing grab bars, a tub chair and/or a raised toilet seat. Source: HealthinAging.org, a resource created by the American Geriatrics Society
1 Vol. measure 2 Greek letter 3 Ulm unit 4 ____ Flow 5 Abrasive mineral 6 Circumstance’s partner 7 Mature 8 Keep the paper coming 9 Yalta’s peninsula