Milestones Newspaper: May 2022

NEWS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS

A Publication of

MAY 2022 • FREE IN THIS ISSUE

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF ARTS & AGING

P4P4 RESOURCES TO SUPPORT ASIAN OLDER ADULTS

P5 CITY WORKS TO IMPROVE HEALTH DISPARITIES

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AGING IN PLACE Older adults should be able to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. PCA proudly observes Older Americans Month in May and supports older adults’ desire to age in place. Page 6.

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Honoring older Americans in May

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.

Older Americans Month in May honors older adults and celebrates their contributions to our communities and to our country. This year’s theme focuses on aging in place: How older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible.

Honoring our nation’s older adults must be a year-round effort that includes ensuring programs are funded adequately so that people can have the resources necessary to age in place. As advocates for older adults, we must support making our communities more age-friendly now and in the future. Investments in infrastructure, accessible transportation and community amenities benefit everyone in the community – from infants to older adults.

“The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.”

– Frank Lloyd Wright

By providing resources to support older adults and their caregivers, PCA and our collaborative partners in the aging-services network help people to remain independent and engaged in their communities. These resources include: • Community outreach and wellness programs hosted by PCA’s Community Engagement Department that provide older adults with the motivation, information and tools necessary to support aging with dignity.

• A variety of long-term care services and supports are provided by PCA,

including assessment, care management, home-delivered meals, personal care and caregiver support.

• PCA’s Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program (SHARP), which provides minor home repairs and modifications, including stair railings and tub grab bars, that help older adults safely age in place.

For more information about PCA’s services, call the PCA Helpline at 215-7659040, see pages 5 and 6, or go to our website at pcaCares.org.

Spring has sprung As the weather gets warmer, I encourage everyone to get outdoors for activity and socialization. Senior community centers are open. Now is the time to enjoy spending time with friends, while engaging in fun and stimulating activities. Just don’t forget to have a face mask handy, if needed.

For Mother’s Day, we give a special thank-you to all mothers, grandmothers and other special women in our lives for their efforts to raise families and improve our community. We also take time on Memorial Day to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives to defend our country.

Funded by PCA

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MAY 2022

PCA celebrates 20 years of arts and aging to use the photo editing software program Photoshop.

Veith began photographing as an art on When she was 4 years old, Mary Narissa Ferrer would give paintings to people trips to Italy, where he would capture imin her neighborhood. Always drawn to ages of mostly landmarks and structures. the arts, she couldn’t decide whether to “I’m not a photojournalist,” he said. “I just pursue art or the theater. She went on to take pictures.”

Now, he travels around Philadelphia live an adventurous life that was guided by her love of the arts. Ferrer served in taking photographs of various locations, the Navy, performed as an actress (in- including Shofuso Japanese Cultural Cencluding a guest appearance on the “Ser- ter in Fairmount Park. Veith then incorpogeant Bilko” show), lived in Spain for a rates the images into mosaic pieces, which decade, and owned an art gallery in Mex- range in size and complexity from coasters ico for 25 years. Ten years ago, she moved to entire muraled walls.

Ferrer and Veith are among 122 older to her hometown of Philadelphia. Now, at adult artists, ranging in age from 55 to 98, 98, she paints every day.

While some seem to be born with a love whose original artwork will be showcased for art, others develop an interest for it lat- in Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s er in life. Research for a home redecorating (PCA’s) Celebrate Arts & Aging arts festiproject led retired dentist Warren Veith to val in May. Now in its 20th year, Celebrate discover a process called “sublimation,” in Arts & Aging features work created by which photographs are transferred onto older adults in a variety of media.

PCA has served older Philadelphians mosaic tiles. The 83-year-old South Philadelphia resident then taught himself how for nearly 50 years. Since its inception in 1973, the realities of aging have changed, but perceptions of older adults have not. “Aging is still viewed by many people as something to cope with, instead of something to enjoy,” said Terri Heavens, PCA director of marketing, communications and development. “Celebrate Arts & Aging helps communicate to the public through a positive, celebratory vehicle that life is vibrant at any age.”

For 20 years, the arts festival has put a spotlight on the period of immense growth and productivity that can occur later in life. The expression of creativity can lead to improved general wellness and quality of life.

“The Cobra Strikes Again,” an abstract acrylic painting “Painting is all I want to do right

by Mary Narissa Ferrer, 98, will be on display this month now, ” says Ferrer. “It just pours out at Center on the Hill in Germantown.

By Pamela Diaconis

“Japanese House, Fairmount Park,” a photograph by Warren Veith, will be on display this month at Parkway Central Library.

of me. When I begin to put color to the canvas, I see things and then continue to paint based on what comes out. Abstracts come from within. I think Picasso wouldn’t have been as successful if he hadn’t switched to abstracts. He was much more innovative in his abstract works.” Her submission to this year’s Celebrate Arts & Aging exhibit is a dynamic abstract painting, titled “Cobra Strikes Back.”

When Ferrer lived in San Miguel Allende, Mexico, she had adequate space to work on paintings as large as 6 feet by 6 feet. But living in a small Northeast Philadelphia apartment now limits her work to the size of 24 inches by 16 inches. Still, even her smaller paintings are starting to take over her home. In fact, she’s looking for a place to donate about 80 of her original artworks to secure her legacy.

Celebrate art Hosting the art show virtually for the past two years during the pandemic enabled older artists to participate without the risk of contracting COVID-19. This

year’s Celebrate Arts & Aging festival is a hybrid event, offering an in-person connection and the opportunity to reach a larger audience online. The full collection of original artworks created by older adult artists has been compiled into a virtual show at pcaCares.org/celebrate.

Celebrate Arts & Aging also features two in-person exhibits of selected artworks on display for public viewing, weekdays in May from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the following locations: • Parkway Central Library, First Floor, West Gallery, 1901 Vine St. | Artists’ reception: Friday, May 6 at 1:30 p.m.

• Center on the Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave., behind the Presbyterian Church | Artists’ reception: Thursday, May 26 at 4 p.m. *** PCA’s 2022 Celebrate Arts & Aging is sponsored by PECO, Wellcare by PA Health & Wellness’s Allcare, and Always Best Care Senior Services.

Pamela Diaconis is the Development Manager at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

MAY 2022

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Resources help Philadelphia’s older Asians, Pacific Islanders

By Mary Anna Rodabaugh Philadelphia is home to many diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

The needs of older adults in each ethnic community often vary based on cultural norms, languages spoken and personal preferences. Local organizations, including Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), are dedicated to providing the resources and outreach necessary to meet the needs of Philadelphia’s diverse ethnic communities.

Fostering connections

One of the greatest challenges that older adults and their caregivers face is not knowing what resources are available or how to access help. PCA’s Asian Outreach Coordinator, Sung Young Yun, works to establish connections between PCA and organizations in the local Asian community.

“We partner with the Chinese, Korean, Cambodian, Vietnamese and Hindi communities,” Yun says. She spreads awareness of PCA’s programs and services through presentations, vendor tables and advertising at events sponsored by organizations, such as the Korean American Association of Greater Philadelphia (KAAGP) and the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia (CAGP).

Older adults have access to a variety of resources, including transportation services, financial benefits, care in the home and health programs. PCA also connects older adults and their caregivers with community-based resources, such as senior community centers and enrichment opportunities.

Language barriers

The language barrier is another challenge that older adults within Asian communities face. PCA connects with a language service provider to provide translation of printed materials and in-

terpretation services by telephone for consumers seeking PCA services whose native language is not English.

“I’m so glad that we have the resources available to translate important information [into the older adult’s native language],” says Yun, whose native language is Korean.

In addition to these efforts, PCA manages five separate foreign-language telephone lines: Chinese (215-399-4944), Hindi (215-399-4943), Khmer (215-3994940), Korean (215-399-4941) and Vietnamese (215-399-4942). Callers to the main PCA Helpline number (215-7659040) may receive interpretation in any language at no cost to them through PCA’s on-call language service provider.

“The foreign-language telephone lines are a fantastic resource,” Yun said. “They help to break down language barriers that could prevent older adults from accessing the resources they need.”

Many of the people who Yun speaks with recognize that PCA provides excellent resources for older adults. This is es-

pecially true when family members take on prominent caregiving roles. “When their children find out about our services, they are very appreciative,” says Yun.

Continued advocacy PCA coordinates Asian, African and Caribbean, Latino, and clergy/interfaith advisory councils that include a network of Philadelphia organizations that provide additional resources to the city’s various communities.

“The advisory councils each meet quarterly and also come together annually for a joint advisory council meeting,” says Wanda Mitchell, PCA’s director of community engagement. “Advisory council members share their interests, as well as specify concerns that impact the communities they serve. Presenters also contribute their expertise on a variety of subjects and provide specific information regarding the needs of their communities.”

Additional resources Beyond PCA, members of the Asian

and Pacific Islander communities throughout Philadelphia can also seek additional resources through heritage-based groups. One example is the South Eastern Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC).

SEAMAAC works to support and serve immigrants, refugees and other politically, socially or economically marginalized communities as they seek to advance the condition of their lives in the United States.

SEAMAAC provides case management, benefits enrollment, health access, community resource navigation, digital navigation, citizenship services, food delivery for homebound older adults, and more. Currently, SEAMAAC also offers small workshops and special events for Asian older adults.

“What older adults really want right now is to be together with their peers and have fun again,” says Donna Backues, SEAMAAC’s coordinator of community and family wellness. “That makes sense after the last two years.”

SEAMAAC’s outreach staff speak Mandarin, Indonesian, Laotian, Bhutanese, Burmese and Burmese Chin, Arabic, French and Berber. Like PCA, the organization also utilizes telephonic language interpretation for other languages.

“As we celebrate National Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage month this May, older adults within these communities need to know they are not alone,” Yun says. “There are many culturally appropriate resources available to preserve the dignity of older adults while simultaneously enriching their lives.”

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

For additional resources, see page 14.

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MAY 2022

PCA helps older adults age in place

By Jay Nachman The OPTIONS Program, administered locally by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), allows individuals to receive services and supports in their homes. The umbrella of services provided by the OPTIONS Program support aging in place for older adults. And who doesn’t want to live with all the comforts of home?

“Most older adults prefer to remain in the community with their loved ones as independently as possible, in a familiar setting while maintaining as much control over their lives as they can,” said Sean Outen, PCA’s director of long term care options.

May is Older Americans Month, an an-

Crossword Puzzle Solution (See page 15 for clues)

nual observance by the Administration for Community Living dedicated to highlighting the contributions of older adults to our society. The 2022 theme, “Age My Way,” presents an opportunity for all of us to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities.

The term “aging in place” describes how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. While PCA proudly supports and observes Older Americans Month each May, supporting older adults’ desire to age in place is at the heart of the agency’s mission.

It all begins with a phone call to PCA’s Helpline at 215-765-9040, which is staffed by trained intake and information personnel on weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and available 24/7 for reports of suspected elder abuse and neglect.

“Older adults and their caregivers can call the PCA Helpline to inquire about programs or services that they might be eligible for,” said Shani Gilmore, PCA’s executive administrator of long-term care. “They just call the PCA Helpline.

We have staff who are dedicated to direct the appropriate resources to that person, whether it’s scheduling an assessment for long-term care services, mailing printed materials to them, providing a phone number or directing them to a website.

People have all different levels of need and the PCA Helpline is there to help meet those needs.”

The OPTIONS Program can provide home-delivered meals; home repairs or modifications; adult daily living services; personal assistant services; personal emergency response systems; and case management, which includes ongoing monitoring and coordination of the services.

To become eligible, an individual must be assessed for the need of long-term care services and also must be either financially or clinically ineligible for other medical assistance programs.

In 2021, about 800 older adults used the personal emergency response system and about 4,000 older adults received home-delivered meals through the OPTIONS Program.

“The relationship that the care managers have with the individual in the community is important and vital for maintaining a person’s quality of life,” he said. “Older adults find it rewarding and satisfying that they have a person that they can connect with who can coordinate their services and provide information.”

Beyond OPTIONS, PCA offers a variety of additional community-based services to help older adults remain independent.

The aforementioned PCA Helpline can direct consumers to a further array of resources and help, including scheduling

an in-home assessment for long-term care services and referring callers to assistance for issues with consumer protection, long-term care planning, landlord/tenant difficulties, and benefits and entitlements problems.

PCA also administers the PA MEDI (formerly APPRISE) program in Philadelphia, which has counselors trained to answer questions about all aspects of Medicare eligibility and enrollment.

Another vital program that PCA provides is support for caregivers of older adults, adults with disabilities and child relatives. PCA’s Caregiver Support Program helps to address the unique challenges facing older adult caregivers.

“Aging in place is important so that the older adults can remain as independent for as long as possible in their current environment safely,” Gilmore said. “That’s what we strive to do: provide access to programs that help them to remain safely in the environment of their choosing while they age. Just because you’re aging does not mean you have to leave your home. Sometimes, the only option for one’s safety is a nursing home or assisted living facility, but there are many other options, depending on the older adult’s situation and level of need.”

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

MAY 2022

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The Plastic Club celebrates 125 years of supporting artists

By Jay Nachman The Plastic Club in Center City has been a home for artists working in all media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and fiber arts, since 1897.

The club will receive a historic marker outside its home at 247 S. Camac Street on May 21 at 10 a.m. Over the course of the year, there will be other programs and exhibitions in celebration of the club’s 125th anniversary.

The term “plastic” refers to the state of any unfinished work of art, as suggested by the club’s first president, Blanche Dillaye.

“The original intent with founding the club (was) to bring artists together so that they could exchange ideas and work together and find out about things that are happening in the arts in a communal

way,” said Michael Guinn, 78, membership chairman. “We’re still doing that same thing. It’s a very inclusive club.”

Guinn, a retired graphic artist who joined The Plastic Club in 1999, adds that all artwork is viewed equally. “If you want to put a picture into one of our shows, it would get hung. They all get hung. They’re not judged or rejected in any way.”

When the club was founded, only art clubs for men existed in the city. Women artists had no place to meet, exchange ideas and exhibit their work. The founders wanted to create a space for women artists that would bring together experienced, successful artists and younger artists who were just beginning their artistic careers.

In March 1897, Emily Sartain, principal of the Philadelphia School of Design for Women (now Moore College of Art), host-

ed an organizational meeting of The Plastic Club at the school.

During its first year, the club held six exhibitions, representing 15 different mediums, including the first exhibit in Philadelphia of Japanese color Barbara Mimnaugh with her painting, “The Rich & Famous Flock to Havana.” prints.

The all-volunteer club opened to men Over the years, MacDonald has served in the 1990s and now has more than 230 in many volunteer roles and has won her members. It offers weekly drawing work- share of awards. “I get to show my work shops; monthly all-media exhibitions; and every month,” said MacDonald, who film, dance, music, and poetry program- works in many mediums, including oils, ming. watercolors and printmaking. She enjoys Betty MacDonald, 95, of Narberth, the club because of the people she meets joined The Plastic Club in 1953 and has and the opportunities it offers. “I get to try been a continuous member for 69 years.

Continued on page 14

PCA PROUDLY PRESENTS EXCERPTS FROM ITS 2022 EXHIBIT FOR

“COVID-is-Over,” watercolor, by Joseph Kane “Coca Cola,” photography, by Elke Muller

“Hanae,” collage, by C Mae Harris

“Delicious Things,” oil painting, by Pearl Mintzer “Mother Theresa,” pencil drawing,

by Vijay Deshpande

“Lillies from the Field,” photography,

by Michael Palumbaro

“Mt Futi in Spring,” acrylic painting, by Carolyn Do

“Flowers in the Breeze,” acrylic painting,

by Debra Brown

“Face on the Wall,” wood carving, by Tom-Bazis

“Untitled,” watercolor, by Cubby Damato

“Nawlins Memories of Mardi Gras,” acrylic painting,

by Hope Glover

“Harriet Tubman, After Wesley Woffard,” photography,

by Ron Howard

“China Town,” watercolor, by Xin Zhang

“Crescent Moon,” oil painting, by Gregory Maier

May 2022

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, MAY 5 TO JUNE 9 CHRONIC PAIN SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

MAY 3 & 17 CARDIO DRUMMING

New, high-energy exercise class. Noon.

Lutheran Settlement House. 215-4268610, ext. 1206. (Suggested donation: $5)

Whether you have arthritis, fibromyalgia, lower back ailments or other conditions that cause discomfort, stiffness and/or inflammation, this program is for you.

Learn strategies to increase involvement in daily activities & to address poor sleep, fatigue, isolation & frustration. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Virtual program presented by PCA via Zoom. Register: 215-765-9000, ext. 5119

A virtual space for artists of all mediums to share & inspire each other. 11 a.m.

Journey’s Way. Info: 215-487-1750, ext.

1101. zoom.us/join – Meeting ID: 853 7817 2215 | Passcode: 857195

New class! Chair to mat basics. All levels. 11 a.m. Journey’s Way. 215-4871750, ext. 1001. (Cost per class: $5/ members; $8/non-members or drop-in)

MAY 6 CELEBRATE ARTS & AGING ARTISTS’ RECEPTION

1:20-2:30 p.m. Parkway Central Library, First Floor, West Gallery | Exhibit on display: Weekdays in May, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by PCA.

MAY 7-15 LOVE YOUR PARK WEEK

Annual spring clean-up. Volunteers can join hundreds of locally organized park events to clean & green neighborhood parks for the season. Signature event: May 7, starting at 9 a.m., Harrowgate.

To volunteer: LoveYourPark.org | 215-6833640

MAY 3, 17, 31 THE SILVER & GOLD ARTS & CRAFTS GUILD

MAY 3, 10, 17, 24 YOGA FOR BALANCE

“Walking in the Rain,” an acrylic painting by Diane Fassett, will be on display at the Parkway Central Library this month.

MAY 7 TRIP TO LONGWOOD GARDENS MAY 5 MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON

Celebration of motherhood. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cobbs Creek - Oak Street Health.

267-225-3448.

Transportation provided. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Departs/returns from: Lutheran Settlement House. Register: 215-4268610, ext. 1206 (Cost: $25)

MAY 8 MOTHER’S DAY

TUESDAYS, MAY 10 TO JUNE 14 DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Learn to take charge of diabetes & associated symptoms, including fatigue, pain, low/high blood sugar, stress & emotions. Topics include improving strength & endurance, healthy eating & menu planning, blood sugar & medication management, proper foot care, & communication skills. 10-11 a.m.

Virtual program presented by PCA via telephone. Register: 215-765-9000, ext. 5119

MAY 13 ART EXHIBIT OPENING

Features artists & artisans working in different mediums, refreshments, music & an outdoor café (weather permitting).

Open to the public. 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Journey’s Way. 215-487-1750, ext. 1001

MAY 13 SILVER CELEBRATION BIRTHDAY CLUB Older adult dance party. 5-9 p.m.

Cobbs Creek - Oak Street Health.

267-225-3448

MAY 17 TEA WITH ESTEE LAUDER

Discussion about the billionaire’s fabulous life.

Includes elaborate dessert buffet & ice cream sundae bar. 7:30 p.m.

The Sisterhood of the Congregations of Shaare Shamayim. Register by May 12: 215-677-1600 (Cost: $25)

MAY 18 HONORING NONAGENARIANS

Live entertainment & lessons from members 90+. 10:30 a.m. St. Edmond Senior Community Center.

215-790-9530

MAY 18 WHO WAS MARLON BRANDO?

Virtual presentation by William J. Mann, Hollywood historian & author of the definitive Brando biography, “The Contender.” 11 a.m. Host: Parkway Central Library. https://bit.ly/Whowas-Marlon-Brando

“Hawkshead Show,” a watercolor painting by Ruth Seeley, will be on display at Center on the Hill this month.

MAY 26 CELEBRATE ARTS & AGING ARTISTS’ RECEPTION

4-5 p.m. Center on the Hill (behind the Presbyterian Church in Chestnut Hill) | Exhibit on display: Weekdays in May, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by PCA.

MAY 26 RESOURCE & UTILITIES FAIR

Bill payment & rental assistance. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cobbs Creek - Oak Street Health. 267-225-3448

MAY 25 SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS DAY MAY 25 AGE OUT LOUD

MAY 16 HONOR OUR LGBT ELDERS DAY

Celebrating birthdays of all ages, with special recognition to octogenarians (80s) & nonagenarians (90s). 1 a.m.

Star Harbor Senior Community Center.

215-727-0100

MAY 30 MEMORIAL DAY

Milestones 12

MAY 2022

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City taking steps to improve minority health disparities

By Jay Nachman Social determinants, or social factors, are the most important factors in determining whether older adults can age well.

According to “Disrupting Disparities in Pennsylvania,” a report by AARP Pennsylvania and Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, your ZIP code has more to do with your health outcomes than your genetics. We need to show the disparity and the gaps in services, particularly in rural areas and inner-city areas. Many people really don’t realize that your zip code has more to do with your health outcome. A striking feature of aging, according to the report, is that it is characterized by two disparities, geographic and racial, that combine to negatively impact healthy aging.

“Many of the public health issues that Philadelphia faces are due to or exacerbated by historical and systemic racism,” said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole. “The Health Department

is committed to solving these problems from a place that acknowledges racism.”

The City of Philadelphia is committed to tackling health disparities, as demonstrated by its hiring of the City’s first Chief Racial Equity Officer, Gail Carter Hamilton, by the Health Department. This newly created position is intended to centralize and spearhead efforts to ensure racial equity in Health Department operations and activities and to help guide planning to address health inequities in Philadelphia.

“So many of our communities are struggling under the dual burden of systemic racism and the pandemic, which led to much worse outcomes in communities of color,” said Carter Hamilton, who has a Master of Science in Nursing from Wilmington University. “I look forward to ensuring that racial equity is at the heart of our operations and that we are able to build sustainable partnerships throughout the city in order to maintain robust public health programs.”

Sarah Peterson, the City’s deputy com-

MAY 2022 munications director, noted that the City works closely with PCA to support older Philadelphians. “We have also worked closely with the Age Friendly/Livable Communities network to implement recommendations related to housing, transportation and access to green space,” Peterson said. “There are access issues that contribute to health and recognizing the disparities is key to finding equitable solutions.”

Further, many Black and brown older adults significantly lag in technology access. For some, their only internet access comes from libraries and senior community centers.

To remedy that, the City supports the Digital Navigator network to help any Philadelphia resident obtain devices and affordable internet access, as well as connect to other essential services. The Digital Literacy Alliance (DLA) and the Office of Children and Families’ Adult Education have also funded several adult education and digital literacy providers that have

been working with older adults.

Social epidemiologists believe that fundamental causes in society, including racism, societal structures, and distribution of wealth or political power, lead to health disparities. Jana Hirsch, Ph.D., assistant research professor at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health, pursues research into the racial inequities that produce poor health outcomes among different populations. She is a contributor to the “Disrupting Disparities” report and “Close to Home: The Health of Philadelphia’s Neighborhoods,” a 2019 report by Drexel University’s Urban Health Collaborative and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

Both reports draw on research that health is impacted by the neighborhoods in which people live. Indeed, “Close to Home” reports, “Living just a few miles away can decrease life expectancy by nearly 20 years. Many Philadelphians live, learn, work, shop and play in neighborhoods that make good health difficult to

achieve. These contextual factors mediate genetic determinants of health and shape health behaviors.”

According to “Close To Home,” solutions that policy makers can undertake to improve health disparities for older adults include efforts in low-income neighborhoods to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables and to reduce the oversupply of unhealthy products; supportive infrastructure for active transportation, such as walking and bicycling, and engineering changes to improve safety for pedestrians; and expanded access to health insurance for people who are uninsured.

“While the structural issues governing health disparities for older adults can take years to address, there are intermediate steps, or resources that can be delivered, to allow older adults to age well in their homes and neighborhoods,” Hirsch said, echoing some of the actions that the City is taking.

Increased greenery and trees; access to recreation centers; accessible transit

Milestones 13

stops; and resources to access amenities, like pharmacies and hospitals, can all be improved to help older adults. “All of those things can impact people’s ability to get the care they need to live the life that they want and to age successfully in their neighborhoods,” Hirsch said.

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

Livability Index How “livable” is your neighborhood? To find out, go the AARP Livability Index at LivabilityIndex.aarp.org and type in your ZIP code. The index scores neighborhoods and communities across the United States for the services and amenities that most impact quality of life, including housing, the environment, transportation and health care access.

PCA CAREERS IN AGING SERVICES OPEN POSITIONS MAY INCLUDE: • Accountant II • Administrative Assistant | Secretary • Assessment Workers • Assistant Director, Long-Term Care Assessment • Care Managers | Case Aide • Communications Manager • Director, Business Administration • Firehouse Center Program Coordinator • Fleet Mechanic • Graphic Designer & Print Production Manager • Intake & Info Specialist III

• Meal Distribution Center Manager • Older Adult Protective Services: Investigator I | Nurse Investigator/ Consultant | Supervisor • Planning Analyst • Public Relations Specialist • Quality Assurance Manager • Scheduling Coordinator • Senior Center Supervisor • Senior Companion Program Manager • Victim Support Program: Coordinator | Supervisor

• Health Benefits • 13 Paid Holidays

• Paid Sick/Vacation Leave • Tuition Reimbursement

BENEFITS:

APPLY ONLINE: pcaCares.org/careers

Milestones 14

Perfect Part-time Job Opportunity Now you can represent AAA, the #1 auto club nationwide!

• Flexibile hours • Convenient Northeast location • Guaranteed Salary + Commissions and Bonus’s Our top representatives earn $25.00 + per hour.

9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; 5:30–9 p.m.; Saturday mornings: 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. $200 Welcome Bonus Call Phone Company Inc. at 215-856-0900 for an interview!

Golden Health Services Dependable Home Care In Your Area!

We provide care 24 hours per day, 7 days per week • Aging Waiver • ACT 150 • Attendance Care Waiver • Independence Waiver • OBRA Waiver • Community HealthChoices • Consolidated Waiver • LIFE (Living Independence For the Elderly) • Person/Family Directed Support Waiver

• Personal Care • Bathing & Grooming • Companion • Respite Care • Meal Preparation • Medication reminders • Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care • Laundry & light housekeeping, • Shopping & Errands

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We accept Waivers, Medicaid, Medicare, VA & other Insurances.

MAY 2022

Resources to assist Philadelphia’s older adult Asian community The following organizations are just some of the resources available to assist older adults in Philadelphia’s Asian community. For additional resources, contact PCA (see below).

Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia works to empower Cambodian-Americans to be productive and successful in America — North Philadelphia office: 5412 N. 5th St. | South Philadelphia office: 2416 S. 7th St. | 215-3244070 | cagp.org Korean American Association of Greater Philadelphia takes the lead in cultural exchange, promotes living with a sense of responsibility, seeks a life with value and abundance, and fosters future prosperity among the Korean community – 1001 W. 70th Ave. | 215-927-1580 | homepy.korean.net Penn Asian Senior Services (PASSi) provides culturally and linguistically attuned services for Asian older adults in Southeastern Pennsylvania — 6926 Old York Rd. | 215-572-1234 | passi.us Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) works to preserve Chinatown as a viable ethnic, residential and business community by offering programs and services to address the needs of a low-income immigrant community — 301-305 N. 9th St. | 215-9222156 | chinatown-pcdc.org Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) works to improve the quality of

Plastic Club • continued from page 7

things out and see how they work.”

The club attracts a lot of retirees who have art talent but didn’t have time to develop it while they were working and raising a family. “This club gives (artists) a place to show their work,” said Guinn, an oil painter. ”It’s very nice for older people

life for older Philadelphians and adults with disabilities and to assist them in achieving their greatest possible levels of health, independence and productivity. Translation and interpretation services are available to all consumers at no charge. – 215-765-9040: Telephone interpretation available in any language | pcaCares.org: Automatic translation into 15 languages, including Chinese, Khmer, Korean and Vietnamese.

The Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation promotes the enrichment of the Asian community through a broad range of services, including medical and health care, older adult employment training, social services, and educational and cultural programs — Philadelphia office: 6705 Old York Rd. | 215-224-2000 | jaisohn.org South Eastern Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition is one of the oldest and largest refugee-founded agencies in the region with a workforce of more than 80% bi- and multi-lingual staff serving 18 different linguistic communities – Main office: 1711 S. Broad St. | Elders Program: Bok Building, 1901 S. 9th St. | 215-467-0600 | seamaac.org

because they’re welcome. Anybody can come to the workshops.” *** Call 215-545-9324 for more information about The Plastic Club, or visit them at PlasticClub.org.

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

Milestones 15

MAY 2022

Crossword

Health Brief

Tips to help reduce, manage arthritis pain Arthritis affects about 25% of U.S. adults.

To recognize the toll on Americans’ health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Arthritis Foundation, and others observe Arthritis Awareness Month in May. Symptoms of arthritis can include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints. The most common form of is osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that occurs when flexible tissue at the ends of bones wears down.

Reduce symptoms

The CDC recognizes the following approaches to reduce arthritis pain: • Take charge – People with arthritis who participate in self-management education programs, such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), gain skills and confidence to live well with arthritis. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) partners with community organizations to develop and present health programs that provide information, skill-building, screenings and support for older adults.

To learn more about these programs, call PCA’s Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org.

• Be active – Physical activity, such as walking, biking or swimming, decreases arthritis pain and improves function, mood and quality of life. Adults with arthritis should move more and sit less throughout the day. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week is recommended.

However, any physical activity is better than none. Browse the CDC-recommended physical activity programs that can improve health for participants with arthritis at cdc.gov/arthritis/basics.

• Protect your joints – To help prevent osteoarthritis, avoid activities that are more likely to cause joint injuries or overuse, such as knee bending. Repet-

Solution: The solution can be found on page 6.

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itive stress on a joint can damage it and increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in that joint.

• Talk to a doctor – People with inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, have a better quality of life if they are diagnosed early, receive treatment and learn how to manage the condition. Recommendations from health care providers can motivate people to be physically active and join a self-management education program.

Down

Pain management

The Arthritis Foundation also suggests the following strategies to manage chronic arthritis pain: • Take medications – Prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), recommended by your doctor can help control inflammation and pain.

• Manage weight – Excess weight can cause more pressure on the weight-bearing joints, particularly the hips and knees, and increase pain. If overweight or obese, taking steps to reduce excess body weight will alleviate arthritis symptoms.

• Stay positive – Many people with chronic arthritis pain find that a positive attitude can significantly boost their ability to cope with pain. Sometimes, combining positive thoughts with exercise, like a refreshing walk, can help lift spirits and refocus thoughts from the pain to something more encouraging.

Funded by PCA

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34 Dennis, for one 36 Legal thing

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48 Part of a ream 49 Uruguayan port city 50 Hecuba’s husband 51 Antarctic cape 53 Serf, of yore 54 Map abbreviations 55 Wingding 56 Culbertson 57 August baby